Clinical implementation of electron energy changes of varian linear accelerators.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics
Sean ZhangMichael Gillin

Abstract

Modern dual photon energy linear accelerators often come with a few megavoltage electron beams. The megavoltage electron beam has limited range and relative sharp distal falloff in its depth dose curve compared to that of megavoltage photon beam. Its radiation dose is often delivered appositionally to cover the target volume to its distal 90% depth dose (d90), while avoiding the normal--sometimes critical--structure immediately distal to the target. Varian linear accelerators currently offer selected electron beams of 4, 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electron beam energies. However, intermediate electron energy is often needed for optimal dose distribution. In this study we investigated electron beam characteristics and implemented two intermediate 7 and 11 MeV electron beams on Varian linear accelerators. Comprehensive tests and measurements indicated the new electron beams met all dosimetry parameter criteria and operational safety standards. Between the two new electron beams and the existing electron beams we were able to provide a choice of electron beams of 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electron energies, which had d90 depth between 1.5 cm and 6.0 cm (from 1.5 cm to 4.0 cm in 0.5 cm increments) to meet our clinical needs.

References

Jul 1, 1988·Medical Physics·S C SharmaR Basavatia
Jun 9, 2004·International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics·David S FollowillGeoffrey S Ibbott
Aug 30, 2008·Acta Oncologica·David SjöströmClaus F Behrens
Oct 10, 2008·Medical Physics·Indra J DasUNKNOWN TG-106 of the Therapy Physics Committee of the AAPM

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
electron scattering
IEC
electron
electron beam

Software Mentioned

IBA OmniPro ‐ Accept
Varian
OmniPro

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