Purpose: Different multichannel methods for film dosimetry have been proposed in the literature. Two of them are the weighted mean method and the method put forth by Micke et al and Mayer et al. The purpose of this work was to compare their results and to develop a generalized channel-independent perturbations framework in which both methods enter as special cases. Methods: Four models of channel-independent perturbations were compared: weighted mean, Micke-Mayer method, uniform distribution and truncated normal distribution. A closed-form formula to calculate film doses and the associated Type B uncertainty for all four models was deduced.To evaluate the models, film dose distributions were compared with planned and measured dose distributions. At the same time, several elements of the dosimetry process were compared: film type EBT2 versus EBT3, different waiting-time windows, reflection mode versus transmission mode scanning, and planned versus measured dose distribution for film calibration and for γ-index analysis.The methods and the models described in this study are publicly accessible through IRISEU. Alpha 1.1 (http://www.iriseu.com). IRISEU. is a cloud computing web application for calibration and dosimetry of radiochromic films. Results: The truncated normal distribution model provided the best agreement between film and reference doses, both for calibration and γ-index verification, and proved itself superior to both the weighted mean model, which neglects correlations between the channels, and the Micke-Mayer model, whose accuracy depends on the properties of the sensitometric curves.With respect to the selection of dosimetry protocol, no significant differences were found between transmission and reflection mode scanning, between 75 ± 5 min and 20 ± 1 h waiting-time windows or between employing EBT2 or EBT3 films. Significantly better results were obtained when a measured dose distribution was used instead of a planned one as reference for the calibration, and when a planned dose distribution was used instead of a measured one as evaluation for the γ-analysis. Conclusions:The truncated normal distribution model of channel-independent perturbations was found superior to the other three models under comparison and we propose its use for multichannel dosimetry.

Purpose: A dosimetric system formed by Gafchromic EBT2 radiochromic film and Epson Expression 10000XL flatbed scanner was commissioned for dosimetry. In this paper, several open questions concerning the commissioning of radiochromic films for dosimetry were addressed: a) is it possible to employ this dosimetric system in reflection mode; b) if so, can the methods used in transmission mode also be used in reflection mode; c) is it possible to obtain accurate absolute dose measurements with Gafchromic EBT2 films; d) which calibration method should be followed; e) which calibration models should be used; f) does three-color channel dosimetry offer a significant improvement over single channel dosimetry. The purpose of this paper is to help clarify these questions.Methods: In this study, films were scanned in reflection mode, the effect of surrounding film was evaluated and the feasibility of EBT2 film dosimetry in reflection mode was studied. EBT2's response homogeneity has been reported to lead to excessive dose uncertainties. To overcome this problem, a new plan-based calibration method was implemented. Plan-based calibration can use every pixel and each of the three color channels of the scanned film to obtain the parameters of the calibration model. A model selection analysis was conducted to select lateral correction and sensitometric curve models. The commonly used calibration with fragments was compared with red-channel plan-based calibration and with three-channel plan-based calibration.Results: No effect of surrounding film was found in this study. The film response inhomogeneity in EBT2 films was found to be important not only due to differences in the fog, but also due to differences in sensitivity. The best results for lateral corrections were obtained using absolute corrections independent of the dose. With respect to the sensitometric curves, an empirical polynomial fit of order 4 was found to obtain results equivalent to a gamma-distributed single hit model based on physical assumptions. Three-channel dosimetry was found to be substantially superior to red-channel dosimetry.Conclusions: Reflection mode with Gafchromic EBT2 radiochromic film was found to be a viable alternative to transmission mode. The same methods that are used in transmission mode can be followed in reflection mode. A novel plan-based method was developed for calibration and multichannel dosimetry. This novel method offers 2 increased robustness against film response inhomogeneities and reduces considerably the time required for calibration. a) nmendez@onko-i.si 3

Background: Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is considered technically challenging because the

BackgroundLung cancer patients are often in poor physical condition, and a shorter treatment time would reduce their discomfort. Dynamic conformal arc therapy (DCAT) offers a shorter treatment time than conventional 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) and is usually available even in departments without inverse planning possibilities. We examined its suitability as a treatment modality for lung cancer patients.MethodsOn a cohort of 35 lung cancer patients, relevant dosimetric parameters were compared in respective DCAT and 3D CRT treatment plans. Radiochromic film dosimetry in an anthropomorphic phantom was used to compare both DCAT and 3D CRT dose distributions against their planned counterparts.ResultsIn comparison with their 3D CRT counterparts, DCAT plans equal or exceed the agreement between the calculated dose and the dose measured using film dosimetry. In dosimetric comparison, DCAT performed significantly better than 3D CRT in dose conformity to PTV and the number of monitor units used per plan, and significantly worse in dose homogeneity, mean lung dose and lung volume exposed to 5 Gy or more (V5Gy). No significant difference was found in the V20Gy value to lung, dose to 1 cm3 of spinal cord, and the mean dose to oesophagus. Improvements in V20Gy and V5Gy were found to be negatively correlated. DCAT plans differ from 3D CRT by exhibiting a moderate negative correlation between target volume sphericity and dose homogeneity.ConclusionsWith respect to the agreement between the planned and the irradiated dose distribution, DCAT appears at least as reliable as 3D CRT. In specific conditions concerning the patient anatomy and treatment prescription, DCAT may yield more favourable dosimetric parameters. On average, however, conventional 3D CRT usually obtains better dosimetric parameters. We can thus only recommend DCAT as a complementary technique to the conventional 3D CRT.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13014-017-0823-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose.To analyze the possibility of reducing the number of fractions but maintaining the full biological effect of radiotherapy by varying the dose per fraction. Methods. An arbitrary treatment with a constant dose per fraction is substituted for a fully isoeffective combination of a hyperfractionated and hypofractionated treatment. The number of fractions of the combined treatment is derived. All calculations are based on the linear-quadratic model. Conclusions. Standard uniform fractionation requires the fewest fractions. Any variation in dose per fraction increases the number of fractions of a fully isoeffective treatment.

A transmission scanning electron microscope operating at voltages up to 600 kV has been built in this laboratory. Initial tests of the performance have been encouraging although the optimum performance has not yet been achieved. Developments and modifications of the instrument are now in progress in order to extend its range of applications and improve its output.The high voltage power supply and electron accelerator have been described previously. A combination of insulating oil and solid dielectric i s used to decrease leakage. This allows the high voltage unit to be compact, highly stable and inexpensive. It has proved to be reliable and trouble-free in operation.

regarding actual treatment delivery. It is understandably considered an indispensable quality assurance procedure and a safety measure in the treatment process. 1-3 This paper describes the calibration of dosimetric diodes and presents the results of in vivo dosimetry in 209 rectal cancer patients. 4 Materials and methods Calibration Two dosimetric diodes EDP-20, manufactured by Scanditronix, were calibrated

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