IMRT/VMAT dose distributions generated for and collimators and accelerators

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study is to answer the question whether the calculated dose distributions for HD and Millennium collimators (Varian Medical Systems) are equivalent for large treatment volumes.

Background

Modern biomedical linacs are equipped with multileaf collimators where leaves can be of different widths. Thinner leaves allow better fit to desired (tumor) shape. At the same time, however, the maximum size of the field that can be obtained with the collimator is also reduced. Varian Medical Systems HD and Millennium collimators can be a good sample. They have 40cm or 22cm×40cm maximal field size at the isocenter, respectively.

Materials and methods

This paper presents the comparison of selected statistical and dosimetric parameters achieved for treatment plans where the beams for a HD collimator had to be merged because of the size of the tumor volume.

Results and discussion

Achieved results show that, independently from irradiated volume, there is no statistically significant difference for calculated dose distributions, integral doses, MU values and coefficients evaluating dose distributions for HD and Millennium collimators.

Conclusions

Results show that both types of collimators can be used interchangeably for preparing the treatment plans for large tumor volume without quality reduction of the prepared treatment plan.