Evaluation of a systemic change of Superficial X-ray tube characteristics

Document Type : Conference Proceedings

Authors

1 Department of Medical Physics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000 AUSTRALIA. School of Physical Sciences, the University of Adelaide, SA 5005 AUSTRALIA.

2 Department of Medical Physics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000 AUSTRALIA.

Abstract

Introduction: Very low, Low and Medium X-ray machines are used extensively for Superficial Radiation Therapy mostly used for Basal Cell, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma skin cancers. In most of cases, Superficial X-ray Therapy (SXRT) is preferred to Electron beams generated using a linear accelerator. SXRT tube characteristics may vary with the use of the machine for a long time. This study investigates the variation of machine output characteristics acquired during machine commissioning and applied for treatment planning system.
Materials and Methods: A Gulmay D3150 Superficial Unit was used for all data collected. At the first stage, beam quality index, half Value Layer (HVL), radiation beam profiles in different depths for a range of applicator for all available applicators were collected. At the end, machine output was also compared with baseline established during the machine commissioning.
Results: Result shows that there is a systemic variation of the beam quality index up to 4.3%. Although results are found to be within tolerance, but a systemic variation of the data acquired shows that machine characteristics are modified.
Conclusion: As a systemic change of machine output is observed, based on data achieved, more detailed QA checks, annual QA program and re-commissioning of the machine for more accurate treatment is recommended.

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 May 2018
  • Revise Date: 29 April 2019
  • Accept Date: 06 July 2018

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