The accuracy of the Acuros XB algorithm in external beam radiotherapy – a comprehensive review

Abstract

Review Article AbstractThe accuracy of dose calculation algorithms has been a topic of interest among the radiotherapy community throughout last decades. On one hand the advancements in computers and algorithms has improved the accuracy, but on the other hand the developments in other parts of treatment process, in treatment delivery techniques and in treatment devices have always pushed the requirements to the next level. In this review article a comprehensive overview on the accuracy of a new type 'c' dose calculation algorithm, the Acuros XB (AXB) algorithm (Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA), is provided. All the articles that have applied the AXB algorithm in terms of external beam radiotherapy are included and the research frames with reported deviations to reference methods are described. For the homogeneous water phantoms the reported accuracy was from 1% to 2%, being of similar level for heterogeneous phantoms, in rare occasions lower. In anthropometric and anthropomorphic phantoms the mean deviations were about 2% and slightly larger for single points and/or small regions. With patient plans the reported average discrepancies were less than from 3% to 5%. Almost without exceptions, the algorithm has proven to perform better than other existing commercial dose calculation algorithms. The number of such papers, in which the AXB algorithm is the only dose determination method, is already notable, which indicates that the accuracy of the algorithm is trusted for reference use and it also, with reported dosimetric results, implies that the AXB algorithm has reached its maturity.

Evaluation collapsed cone convolution/superposition (CCCS) algorithms in prowess treatment planning system for calculating symmetric and asymmetric field size

“…The methodology applied in this study can also be implemented to validate other advanced dose calculation algorithms such as Acuros XB algorithm and anisotropic analytical algorithm. [25][26][27] Conclusion Dose calculation using Prowess TPS based on CCCS algorithm is generally in excellent agreement with measurements. There are some points with deviation which was not within the limits that have been set up for dose planning systems; the largest deviation was found at the small field size 4 cm × 4 cm.…”

Statistic and dosimetric criteria to assess the shift of the prescribed dose for lung radiotherapy plans when integrating point kernel models in medical physics: are we ready?

“…In the AAA all energy from a photon interaction is deposited either in the forward beam direction or along one of 16 lateral transport lines, all located in the plane perpendicular to the incident beam direction. AAA presents more accurate algorithm as compared to pencil kernel algorithm (8)(9)(10).…”

Impact of different IMRT techniques to improve conformity and normal tissue sparing in upper esophageal cancer

“…17,18,19 Moreover, the choice of the treatment planning systems is very important in radiotherapy dose calculation, especially in the presence of treatment planning complexity such as irregular shaped tumors and tumor heterogeneities. 20,21 Volume …”