Multileaf collimators (MLCs) are becoming increasingly important for beam shaping and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Their unique design can introduce subtle effects in the patient/phantom dose distribution. The PEREGRINE 3D Monte Carlo dose calculation system predicts dose by implementing a full Monte Carlo simulation of the beam delivery and patient/phantom system. As such, it provides a powerful tool to explore dosimetric effects of MLC designs. We have installed a new MLC modeling package into PEREGRINE. This package simulates full photon and electron transport in the MLC and includes tongue-and-groove construction and curved or straight leaf ends in the leaf shape geometry. We tested the accuracy of the PEREGRINE MLC package by comparing PEREGRINE predictions with ion chamber, diode, and photographic film measurements taken with a Varian 2 1 OOC using 6 and 18 MV photon beams. Profile and depth dose measurements were made for the MLC configured into annulus and comb patterns. In all cases, PEREGRINE modeled these measurements to within experimental uncertainties. Our results demonstrate PEREGRINE's accuracy for modeling MLC characteristics, and suggest that PEREGRINE would be an ideal tool to explore issues such as (1) underdosing between leaves due to the ''tongue-and-groove'' effect when dose from multiple MLC patterns are added together, (2) radiation leakage in the bullnose region, and (3) dose under a single leaf due to scatter in the patient.

Modern cancer treatment relies on Monte Carlo simulations to help radiotherapists and clinical physicists better understand and compute radiation dose from imaging devices as well as exploit four-dimensional imaging data. With Monte Carlo-based treatment planning tools now available from commercial vendors, a complete transition to Monte Carlo-based dose calculation methods in radiotherapy could likely take place in the next decade. Monte Carlo Techniques in Radiation Therapy explores the use of Monte Carlo methods for modeling various features of internal and external radiation sources, including light ion beams. The book—the first of its kind—addresses applications of the Monte Carlo particle transport simulation technique in radiation therapy, mainly focusing on external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. It presents the mathematical and technical aspects of the methods in particle transport simulations. The book also discusses the modeling of medical linacs and other irradiation devices; issues specific to electron, photon, and proton ion beams and brachytherapy; and the optimization of treatment planning, radiation dosimetry, and quality assurance. Useful to clinical physicists, graduate students, and researchers, this book provides a detailed, state-of-the-art guide to the fundamentals, application, and customization of Monte Carlo techniques in radiotherapy. Through real-world examples, it illustrates the use of Monte Carlo modeling and simulations in dose calculation, beam delivery, kilovoltage and megavoltage imaging, proton radiography, device design, and much more.

About ten years after the first edition comes this second edition of Monte Carlo Techniques in Radiation Therapy: Introduction, Source Modelling, and Patient Dose Calculations, thoroughly updated and extended with the latest topics, edited by Frank Verhaegen and Joao Seco. This book aims to provide a brief introduction to the history and basics of Monte Carlo simulation, but again has a strong focus on applications in radiotherapy. Since the first edition, Monte Carlo simulation has found many new applications, which are included in detail. The applications sections in this book cover the following: Modelling transport of photons, electrons, protons, and ions Modelling radiation sources for external beam radiotherapy Modelling radiation sources for brachytherapy Design of radiation sources Modelling dynamic beam delivery Patient dose calculations in external beam radiotherapy Patient dose calculations in brachytherapy Use of artificial intelligence in Monte Carlo simulations This book is intended for both students and professionals, both novice and experienced, in medical radiotherapy physics. It combines overviews of development, methods, and references to facilitate Monte Carlo studies.

The fifth edition of this respected book encompasses all the advances and changes that have been made since it was last revised. It not only presents new ideas and information, it shifts its emphases to accurately reflect the inevitably changing perspectives in the field engendered by progress in the understanding of radiological physics. The rapid development of computing technology in the three decades since the publication of the fourth edition has enabled the equally rapid expansion of radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and radiobiology. The understanding of these clinical disciplines is dependent on an appreciation of the underlying physics. The basic radiation physics of relevance to clinical oncology, radiology and nuclear medicine has undergone little change over the last 70 years, so much of the material in the introductory chapters retains the essential flavour of the fourth edition, updated as required. This book is written to help the practitioners in these fields understand the physical science, as well as to serve as a basic tool for physics students who intend working as medical radiation physicists in these clinical fields. It is the authors’ hope that students and practitioners alike will find the fifth edition of The Physics of Radiology lucid and straightforward.

Computers have had and will continue to have a tremendous impact on professional activity in almost all areas. This applies to radiological medicine and in particular to radiation therapy. This book compiles the most recent developments and results of the application of computers and computer science as presented at the XIIIth International Conference on the Use of Computers in Radiation Therapy in Heidelberg, Germany. The text of both oral presentations and posters is included. The book is intended for computer sientists, medical physicists, engineers and physicians in the field of radiation therapy and provides a comprehensive survey of the entire field.