An open-source software for calculating 1D gamma index in radiation therapy

Abstract

Purpose: This study was developed to create computer software for performing the gamma index comparison between measurement and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for the percentage depth dose (PDD) and beam off-center ratio profile (OCR). Materials and methods: The gamma software was built in the matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software environment. The developed software was compared with ScanDosematch and Bistromath software’s gamma evaluation to assess its accuracy. A set of reference and evaluated dose distribution, which were obtained from measurement and MC simulation, was input to the software to calculate the 1D gamma index using different criteria (i.e. 3%/3 mm, 2%/3 mm, and 2%/2 mm). Results: We compared the two results of gamma index at 3%/3 mm, 2%/3 mm, and 2%/2 mm criteria, one calculated by the proposed software and one manually. The comparison showed high agreement between the proposed software and theoretical calculation. Conclusions: Based on the results, we concluded that our developed software has high accuracy, compared to theoretical calculation. This software could serve as a non-commercial and open-source tool for researchers and students.

Keywords

• Gamma index
• Matlab
• Open-source software
• Monte Carlo simulation
• Radiation therapy
• Treatment planning system