An automation of Monte Carlo workflow for dosimetry study of an Elekta LINAC delivery system in radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to automate the Monte Carlo (MC) workflow utilized for radiotherapy dosimetry, focusing on an Elekta LINAC delivery system. It addresses the challenge of integrating MC simulations into routine clinical practice, making this accurate yet complex method more accessible and efficient for radiotherapy dosimetry. Methods and Materials: We developed a user-friendly software featuring a graphical user interface (GUI) that integrates EGSnrc for MC simulations. The software streamlines the process from retrieving Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data to executing dose calculations and comparing dose distributions. To validate our proposed tool, we compared its computed doses for IMRT and VMAT plans from the Pinnacle TPS for an Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator against MC simulation results. This comparison utilized our in-house software and GUI as the tool, covering various treatment sites and prescriptions. Results: The automated MC workflow demonstrated high accuracy in dose calculations and streamlined integration with clinical workflows. The comparison between the MC-simulated and TPS-calculated doses revealed excellent agreement, highlighting the reliability of MC for independent dose verification in complex treatment scenarios. Conclusions: The automated MC workflow developed represents a substantial improvement in the practicality and efficiency of MC simulations in radiotherapy. This advancement not only simplifies the dosimetry process but also ensures high accuracy, establishing it as a valuable tool for routine patient-specific quality assurance and the development of specialized treatment procedures.

Keywords

• Monte Carlo simulation
• Automated workflow
• EGSnrc
• Elekta Linac
• IMRT/VMAT
• Graphical user interface