An Internet of Things app for monitor unit calculation in superficial and orthovoltage skin therapy

Abstract

Purpose: We developed an app for Internet of Things (IoT) device such as smartphone or tablet to calculate the monitor unit in superficial and orthovoltage skin therapy. The app can run both on the Windows and Android operation system. Methods: The IoT app was created based on the formula to calculate the monitor unit in skin therapy using kV photon beams. The calculation was based on databases of dose variables such as relative exposure factor and backscatter factor. The calculation also considered the stand-off and stand-in correction according to the inverse-square and inverse-cube law. Verification of the app was carried out by comparing the monitor unit results with those from hand calculations. Results: The frontend window of the app provided a user-friendly interface to the user for inputting prescription dose, beam and treatment setup variables. The user could save the calculation record electronically, generate a printout or send it to other radiation staff using the IoT. Verification of the app showing that deviation between the monitor units calculated by the app and by hand is insignificant. Conclusion: The verified IoT app can effectively calculate the monitor unit in superficial and orthovoltage skin therapy. The app takes advantages of all innate features of IoT such as real time communication, Internet access, data transfer and sharing.

Devices for dosimetric measurements and quality assurance of the Xstrahl 300 orthovoltage unit

“…Clinical dosimetry for any kilovoltage x-ray beam primarily involves the in-air dose output in reference geometry, cone factor, and backscatter factor, among other factors. 3,6,18 The cone factors and backscatter factors are not expected to change as long as the applicators do not get damaged. To monitor the integrity of all our applicators over time, we measure the cone factor with respect to our open reference geometry for each of our applicators annually.…”

“…Given the three different sets of applicators, the initial motivation for designing the ion chamber positioning device was to be able to efficiently perform QA of the beam independent of the choice of applicator set. Clinical dosimetry for any kilovoltage x‐ray beam primarily involves the in‐air dose output in reference geometry, cone factor, and backscatter factor, among other factors 3,6,18 . The cone factors and backscatter factors are not expected to change as long as the applicators do not get damaged.…”

Machine Learning in Healthcare Communication

“…The user needs to input the desired cone from the availability list, prescribed dose, and number of fractions the dose will be delivered in. The app will find and provide the treatment faction dose or daily dose [64]. Machine learning can predict dose-volume parameters, such as the dose distribution index in radiation treatment planning quality assurance.…”

“…Android version of the app showing inputs of the (a) prescription, (b) beam setup, and (c) calculation factors and how the app automatically updates as information is input by user[64].…”

Welcome to IOP SciNotes—a new open access journal for short research outputs across the physical and environmental sciences

“…We are pleased to announce the publication of our first content [1][2][3][4] in IOP SciNotes, a new interdisciplinary, open access journal dedicated to the rapid publication of short research outputs (less than 2500 words) across all areas of physical and environmental science.…”