open access
Monte Carlo simulation using PRIMO code as a tool for checking the credibility of commissioning and quality assurance of 6 MV TrueBeam STx varian LINAC
open access
Abstract
Aim
To validate and implement Monte Carlo simulation using PRIMO code as a tool for checking the credibility of measurements in LINAC initial commissioning and routine Quality Assurance (QA). Relative and absolute doses of 6MV photon beam from TrueBeam STx Varian Linear Accelerator (LINAC) were simulated and validated with experimental measurement, Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) calculation, and golden beam.
Methods and Materials
Varian phase-space files were imported to the PRIMO code and four blocks of jaws were simulated to determine the field size of the photon beam. Water phantom was modeled in the PRIMO code with water equivalent density. Golden beam data, experimental measurement, and AAA calculation results were imported to PRIMO code for gamma comparison.
Results
PRIMO simulations of Percentage Depth Dose (PDD) and in-plane beam profiles had good agreement with experimental measurements, AAA calculations and golden beam. However, PRIMO simulations of cross-plane beam profiles have a better agreement with AAA calculation and golden beam than the experimental measurement. Furthermore, PRIMO simulations of absolute dose agreed well with experimental results with ±0.8% uncertainty.
Conclusion
The PRIMO code has good accuracy and is appropriate for use as a tool to check the credibility of beam scanning and output measurement in initial commissioning and routine QA.
Abstract
Aim
To validate and implement Monte Carlo simulation using PRIMO code as a tool for checking the credibility of measurements in LINAC initial commissioning and routine Quality Assurance (QA). Relative and absolute doses of 6MV photon beam from TrueBeam STx Varian Linear Accelerator (LINAC) were simulated and validated with experimental measurement, Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) calculation, and golden beam.
Methods and Materials
Varian phase-space files were imported to the PRIMO code and four blocks of jaws were simulated to determine the field size of the photon beam. Water phantom was modeled in the PRIMO code with water equivalent density. Golden beam data, experimental measurement, and AAA calculation results were imported to PRIMO code for gamma comparison.
Results
PRIMO simulations of Percentage Depth Dose (PDD) and in-plane beam profiles had good agreement with experimental measurements, AAA calculations and golden beam. However, PRIMO simulations of cross-plane beam profiles have a better agreement with AAA calculation and golden beam than the experimental measurement. Furthermore, PRIMO simulations of absolute dose agreed well with experimental results with ±0.8% uncertainty.
Conclusion
The PRIMO code has good accuracy and is appropriate for use as a tool to check the credibility of beam scanning and output measurement in initial commissioning and routine QA.
Keywords
Commissioning; PRIMO code; TrueBeam STx varian LINAC; Quality assurance; Varian phase-space files
About this articleTitle
Monte Carlo simulation using PRIMO code as a tool for checking the credibility of commissioning and quality assurance of 6 MV TrueBeam STx varian LINAC
Journal
Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Issue
Pages
125-132
Published online
2020-01-01
DOI
10.1016/j.rpor.2019.12.021
Bibliographic record
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2020;25(1):125-132.
Keywords
Commissioning
PRIMO code
TrueBeam STx varian LINAC
Quality assurance
Varian phase-space files
Authors
M. Arif Efendi
Amporn Funsian
Thawat Chittrakarn
Tripob Bhongsuwan