Beam direction
Beam direction
Practice & principles
moderator - Mr. P. Goswami
department of radiotherapy
PGIMER, chandigarh
Definition
Definition
Whole plan of the treatment is worked out in
advance of the actual treatment and certain
devices are used to direct the beam towards
the tumor
Why Beam direction ?
Why Beam direction ?
Homogenous tumor low normal tissue
dose dose
better therapeutic ratio
Prerequisites for beam direction
Prerequisites for beam direction
 Patient factors:
◦ Early stage of disease
◦ Good general condition
◦ Good nutritional status
◦ Radical treatment intent (curative)
 Machine factors:
◦ Isocentric
◦ Non isocentric
Steps
Steps
Localisation
Positioning
Immobilisation
Field selection
Dose distribution
Calculations
Execution & verification
LOCALISATION
LOCALISATION
 The target volume and critical normal
tissues are delineated with respect to
with respect to
patient’s external surface contour.
 What to localize?
◦ Tumor
◦ Organ
 Methods?
◦ Clinical examination
◦ Imaging
Why Localize?
Why Localize?
 Irradiate the tumor and spare the normal
tissue.
 Allow calculations and beam balancing.
 Define radiation portals.
 Use the beam directing devices.
Clinical localization
Clinical localization
 Advantages:
◦ Available everywhere.
◦ Cheapest and quickest(?).
◦ Needs little additional equipment.
 Disadvantages:
◦ Error prone in the wrong hands.
◦ Accessible areas required.
◦ Volumetric data not easily obtained.
 Clinical localization is mandatory despite
advanced imaging – need to know what to image!
Imaging Localization
Imaging Localization
 Imaging:
◦ X-rays:
 Plain
 Contrast Studies
◦ CT scans
◦ MRI scans
◦ USG scans
◦ PET scan
◦ Fusion imaging
 Type of study selected
depends on:
◦ Precision desired.
◦ Cost considerations
◦ Time considerations
◦ Labour considerations
X rays
X rays
 The most common and
cheapest modality
available.
 However 2-D data
acquired only.
 Orthogonal films can be
used with appropriate
contrast enhancement
for localization in 3
dimensions
X rays
X rays
 Plain films:
◦ Head and neck region
◦ Cervix (radio-opaque markers)
 Contrast
◦ Esophagus
◦ Rectum
◦ Bladder
◦ Stomach
Estimation of depth
Estimation of depth
 From data gained by localization studies:
◦ CT / MRI – Accurate data
◦ Lateral height method
◦ Tube shift method
 Depth estimation necessary for:
◦ Calculations
◦ Selection of beam energy
Lateral height method
Lateral height method
d
d
H1 +
H22
d =
H1
H2
Tube shift method
Tube shift method
 Image shift and tube shift are interrelated
WHEN the tube to target distance
remains constant.
 Goal: To obtain a graph of different
object heights against the tube shift.
 Serial measurements of image shift
measured (for same tube to film distance)
while varying the height of the markers
above the table.
Tube shift principles
Tube shift principles
Marker
d2
y
f
S
Tumor
x1
x2
d1
Calculation
Calculation
d1
f
y
y
d2
x1
x2
x1
S
=
d1
f – d1
S
x2
S
=
d2
f – d2
y
y = d2 – d1
= f
x2 + S
x2
-
x1 + S
x1
Tumor
Marker
CT scans
CT scans
 Provides electron density data which
can be directly used by theTPS.
 Volumetric reconstruction possible.
 Good image resolution - better where
bony anatomy is to be evaluated.
 The image is a gray scale
representation of the CT numbers –
related to the attenuation coefficients.
 Hounsfield units =
(μtissue – μwater) x 1000/ (μwater) 253 265 235
125 125 112
56 450 156
135 158 247
269 300 65
36 123 598
CT scan perquisites
CT scan perquisites
 Flat table top
 Large diameter scan aperture (≥ 70
cm).
 Positioning, leveling and
immobilization done in the treatment
position.
 Adequate internal contrast –
external landmarks to be delineated
too.
 Preferably images to be transferred
electronically to preserve electron
density data.
MRI scans
MRI scans
 Advantages:
◦ Imaging in multiple planes without formatting.
◦ Greater tissue contrast – essential for proper target
delineation in brain and head and neck
◦ No ionizing radiation involved.
 Disadvantages:
◦ Lower spatial resolution
◦ Longer scan times
◦ Inability to image calcification or bones.
Fusion Imaging
Fusion Imaging
 Includes PET – CT
imaging and Fusion
MRI.
 Allows “biological
modulation” of
radiation therapy.
 Expensive : requires
additional software
 Final clinical utility –
still remains to be
realized
POSITIONING
POSITIONING
 Patient positioning is the most vital and
often the most NEGLECTED
NEGLECTED part of
beam direction:
 Good patient position is ALWAYS:
◦ Stable.
◦ Comfortable.
◦ Minimizes movements.
◦ Reproducible.
Standard Positions
Standard Positions
 Supine:
◦ MC used body position.
◦ Also most comfortable.
◦ Best and quickest for setup.
◦ Minimizes errors due to
miscommunication.
 Prone:
◦ Best for treating posterior
structures like spine
◦ In some obese patients
setup improved as the
back is flat and less
mobile.
Positioning aids
Positioning aids
 Help to maintain patients in non standard
positions.
 These positions necessary to maximize
therapeutic ratio.
 Accessories allow manipulation of the
non rigid human body to allow a
comfortable, reproducible and stable
position.
Positioning aids…
Positioning aids…
Pelvic
Board
Prone
Support
Breast
Board
Breast Boards
Breast Boards
 Disadvantages:
◦ Possibility of skin reactions
in the infra mammary folds
◦ Access to CT scanners
hampered
 Solutions:
◦ Thermoplastic brassieres.
◦ Breast rings.
◦ Prone treatment support.
 Allow comfortable arm
up support brings arms
►
out of the way of lateral
beams.
 Positions patient so that
the breast / sternum is
horizontal avoiding
►
angulation of the
collimator.
 Pulls breast down into a
better position by the
pull of gravity.
Breast boards…
Breast boards…
Modern Breast
Board
Indexed Arm
supports
Indexed wrist
support
Head rest
Carbon fiber
tilt board
Wedge to prevent
sliding
Belly boards
Belly boards
Mould making
Mould making
Mould making : Contd..
Mould making : Contd..
Mould making : Contd..
Mould making : Contd..
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics
 Thermoplastics are long
polymers with few cross
links.
 They also possess a
“plastic memory” -
tendency to revert to
normal flat shape when
reheated
Foam systems
Foam systems
 Made of polyurethane
 Advantages:
◦ Ability to cut treatment portals into
foam.
◦ Mark treatment fields on the foam.
◦ Rigid and holds shape.
 Disadvantages:
◦ Chance of spillage
◦ Environmental hazard during
disposal
Vacuum bags
Vacuum bags
 Consist of polystyrene beads that are locked in position
with vacuum.
 Can be reused.
 However like former immobilization not perfect.
Bite Blocks
Bite Blocks
 A simple yet elegant
design to immobilize
the head.
 A dental impression
mouthpiece used.
 The impression is
attached to the base
plate and is indexed.
SRS devices
SRS devices
 Sterotactic frames.
 Gill Thomas
Cosman System.
 TALON®
Systems –
NOMOS corp.
Patient Contouring
Patient Contouring
 Contour is the representation of external
body outline.
 Methods:
◦ Plaster of Paris
◦ Lead wire
◦ Thermoplastic contouring material
◦ Flurographic method
◦ CT/MRI
RADIATION
RADIATION FIELD
 Types:
◦ Geometrical:Area DEFINED by the light beam at any given depth as
projected from the point of origin of the beam.
◦ Physical:Area encompassed by the 50% isodose curve at the isocenter.
In LINACs often defined at the 80% isodose.
Single Field
Single Field
 Criteria for
acceptability:
1. Dose distribution to
be uniform (±5%)
2. Maximum dose to
tissues in beam ≤
110%.
3. Critical structures
don’t receive dose
exceeding their normal
tolerance.
 Situations used:
◦ Skin tumors
◦ CSI
◦ Supraclavicular region
◦ Palliative treatments
2 Field techniques
2 Field techniques
 Can be :
◦ Parallel opposed
◦ Angled
 Perpendicular
 Oblique
◦ Wedged pair
 Advantages:
◦ Simplicity
◦ Reproducibility
◦ Less chance of geometrical
miss
◦ Homogenous dose
• Dose homogeneity depends on:
• Patient thickness
• Beam energy
• Beam “flatness”
Disadvantage of 2 field techniques
-large amount of normal tissue gets
radiation
-if separation is more there is an arc like
distribution
so, in ca cx if separation is
>16 cm four fields are used.
3 field techniques
3 field techniques
 Used in
-deep seated tumors
-to save vital structures
 Example
-ca esophaghus
-ca lung
-ca UB
-ca nasopharynx with ant extention
-ca maxilla with ethmoidal extention
4 field techniques
4 field techniques
 Used in
-ca cx
-ca rectum
Multiple fields
Multiple fields
 Used in 3DCRT & IMRT
 Used to obtain a “conformal” dose
distribution in the modern radiotherapy
techniques.
 Disadvantages:
◦ Integral dose increases
◦ Certain beam angles are prohibited due to
proximity of critical structures.
◦ Setup accuracy better with parallel opposed
arrangement.
Magna field
Magna field
 Radical treatment of lymphoma(HD)
 Whole body irradiation
 Hemi body irradiation
DOSE DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS
 Done manually or in the TPS.
 Manual distribution gives a hands on idea of
what to expect with dose distributions.
 Inefficient and time consuming.
 Pros:
◦ Cheap
◦ Universally available
◦ Adequate for most clinical situations.
Calculations
Calculations
 Techniques:
◦ SSD technique (PDD method)
◦ SAD technique
◦ Clarkson’s technique
◦ Computerized
PRESCRIPTION
 Mandatory
statements:
◦ Dose to be
delivered.
◦ Number of fractions
◦ Number of fractions
per week
SSD technique
SSD technique
 PDD is the ratio of the
absorbed dose at any
point at depth d to that at
a reference depth d0.
 D0 is the position of the
peak absorbed dose.
 Dmax is the peak absorbed
dose at the central axis.
Total Tumor
dose
Number of fields
x
Number of #s
=
T
Incident
dose
=
T x 100
PDD
Time =
ID
Output
SAD Technique
SAD Technique
 Uses doses normalized at isocenter for
calculation.
 In this technique the impact of setup
variations is minimized.
 Setup is easier but manual planning difficult.
 Time taken for treatment reduced.
SAD calculations
SAD calculations
Total Tumor dose
Number of fields
x
Number of #s
=
T
Inciden
t dose =
T x 100
TMR/
TAR
Time =
ID
Output
SSD vs SAD technique
SSD vs SAD technique
 SSD treatments:
◦ Relatively less
homogenous dose
distribution
◦ Setup possible without
requiring expensive aids
e.g. Laser
◦ PDD charts can be used
for simple dose
calculations
◦ More skin reactions
 SAD treatments:
◦ Less number of MUs
required
◦ Time taken is less
◦ Impact of setup
inaccuracies is
minimized in 2 field
techniques
◦ Ease of setup
reproducibility in multi
field treatments.
TAR vs. SSD
TAR vs. SSD
 TAR = Tissue Air Ratio
 TAR introduced by
Jones for rotation
therapy.
 Allows calculation of
dose at isocenter
WITHOUT
correcting for varying
SSDs.
 TAR is the ratio of
dose at a point in the
phantom to the dose in
free space at the same
point (Dq /D0)
Dq
D0
TAR
TAR
 TAR removes the influence of SSD as it is a
ratio of two doses at the SAME point.
 However like PDD the TAR also varies
with:
◦ Energy
◦ Depth
◦ Field Size
◦ Field Shape
EXECUTION & VERIFICATION
 Can be done using:
◦ Portal Films
◦ Electronic Portal images
◦ Cone Beam CT mounted on treatment machines
(IGRT).
◦ Seen during treatment
-CCTV camera
-lead glass
-mirror
-infrared camera (in imrt)
Port films
Port films
◦ Cheapest.
◦ Legal necessity(?)
◦ But have several disadvantages.
Port film disadvantages
Port film disadvantages
 Factors leading to poor image contrast:
◦ High beam energy (> 10 MV)
◦ Large source size ( Cobalt)
◦ Large patient thickness (> 20 cm)
 Slow acquisition times.
 Image enhancement not possible.
 Storage problems.
Electronic Portal Imaging
Electronic Portal Imaging
 Video based
EPIDS
 Fiber optic
systems
 Matrix liquid ion
chambers
 Solid state
detectors
 Amorphous Si
technology*
BEAM DIRECTION DEVICES
BEAM DIRECTION DEVICES
The main beam direction devices are:
◦ Collimators
◦ Front pointer / SSD indicator
◦ Back Pointer
◦ Pin and arc
◦ Isocentric mounting
◦ Lasers
Collimators
Collimators
 Collimators provide beams of desired shape and
size.
 Types:
◦ Fixed / Master collimator.
◦ Movable / Treatment collimator.
Fixed Collimators
Fixed Collimators
 Protects the patient from bulk of the
radiation.
 Dictates the maximum field size for the
machine.
 Maximum beam size is when exposure at
periphery is 50% of that of the center.
 In megavoltage radiotherapy beam angle
used is 20°.
Master Collimator : Design
Master Collimator : Design
 In megavoltage x ray
machines beam energy is
maximum in forward
direction.
• Beam energy is equal in
telecurie sources so primary
collimators are spherical.
Movable Collimators
Movable Collimators
 Define the required field size and shape.
 Placed below the master collimators results
in trimming of the penumbra.
 Types:
◦ Applicators
◦ Jaws / Movable diaphragms
Applicators: Design
Applicators: Design
Metal Plate with hole
Lead Sheet
Box
Plastic Cap
Applicators
Applicators
 Advantages:
◦ Indicate size and shape of
beam.
◦ Distance maintained.
◦ Direction shown.
◦ Plastic ends allow
compression.
◦ Compression allows
immobilization.
◦ Penumbra minimized.
 Disadvantages:
◦ Useful for low energy
only.
◦ Separate sizes and
shapes required.
◦ Costly.
◦ Shapes may change
due frequent handling.
Jaws
Jaws
 Handling of heavy weight not
required.
 Skin sparing effect retained.
 Jaws moved mechanically –
accurately.
Jaw border lies
along the line
radiating from focal
spot
Jaws: Disadvantages
Jaws: Disadvantages
Disadvantages Remedy
Size and shape of field
remain unknown
Light beam shining through
the jaws
Patient to source
distance unknown
SSD indicator used.
Compression not
possible
A Perspex box may be
applied to the head
Front & back pointers
Front & back pointers
 This method requires the identification &
marking on the patient’s surface, of two
points lying on a line passing through the
tumor centre.
 Entry point- A
 Tumor centre- T
 Exit point- B
Front Pointer/ SSD indicator
Front Pointer/ SSD indicator
 Detachable device to
measure the SSD and
align the beam axis.
 Designed so that it
may be swung out of
the beam path during
treatment.
Back Pointer
Back Pointer
 The pointer can be moved in the sleeve.
 A nipple is used to allow compression.
 The arrow lies along the central ray.
Sites used
Sites used
 Front pointer and back pointer used in the
following situations:
◦ Head and Neck
◦ Breast
◦ Brain tumors
Limitations
Limitations
 Requires skin marks – inherently unreliable.
 Back pointer is unreliable when
compression is desired.
 Both front and back points must be
accessible.
 Accurate localization of tumor center is
mandatory.
Pin & Arc
Pin & Arc
Pin
Arc
Bubble
Principle
Principle
 Based on the principle of parallelogram
How does it work?
How does it work?
 arrangement of pin & arc is such that
when pin is at it’s lowest position, it’s
lower end is on the central axis of beam
& on centre of curvature of arc.
 Depth of the tumor is already known.
 Pin is withdrawn the reqd. distance & it’s
lower end is brought in contact with the
surface mark.
 So long as the pin is vertical the rest of
equipment & applicator will rotate about the
centre of tumor and central ray will always
pass through it
 Thus keeping the pin vertical & in contact
with surface mark any particular angle can be
selected
 The oblique distance can be read off the
scale or bar by applying principle of
parallelogram.
Advantages of Pin & Arc
Advantages of Pin & Arc
 Allows Isocentric treatment of
◦ Deep tumors.
◦ Eccentric tumors.
 Can be used with compression e.g. in
treating deep seated tumors.
 Can be used for manual verification of
Isocentric placement of machines
Sites where used
Sites where used
 Mostly in midline tumors situated at a depth
◦ Esophagus
◦ Cervix
◦ Bladder
◦ Rectum
◦ Vagina
◦ Lung sometimes
Isocentric Mounting
Isocentric Mounting
 First used by Flanders and
Newberg of
Hammersmith Hospital
for early linear
accelerators.
 The axis of rotation of
the three structures:
◦ Gantry
◦ Collimator
◦ Couch
coincide at a point known
as the Isocenter.
Why Isocentric Mounting?
Why Isocentric Mounting?
 Enhances accuracy.
 Allows faster setup and is more accurate
than older non isocentrically mounted
machines.
 Makes setup transfer easy from the
simulator to the treatment machine.
Lasers
Lasers
 LASER = Light Amplification Of stimulated
Emission Of Radiation
 Typically 3 pairs are provided with the
machine and intersect at the isocenter.
 Also define:
◦ Beam Entry
◦ Beam Exit
Lasers
Lasers
 Other uses:
◦ Checking the isocenter
◦ Reproducing the setup on the simulator at the
treatment couch.
 Fallacies:
◦ Accurate setup depends on proper alignment of
the lasers themselves
◦ Lasers known to move  frequent adjustments
needed.
Conclusion
Conclusion
 Beam direction devices & methods are
important part of radiotherapy which aids
in accurate treatment.
 To neglect the extra accuracy that can be
gained by beam direction is to throw
away much of the value of the powerful
and expensive apparatus now in use in
radiotherapy.
Thank you.

radiation physics- beam direction devices in radiotherapy ritesh.ppt

  • 1.
    Beam direction Beam direction Practice& principles moderator - Mr. P. Goswami department of radiotherapy PGIMER, chandigarh
  • 2.
    Definition Definition Whole plan ofthe treatment is worked out in advance of the actual treatment and certain devices are used to direct the beam towards the tumor
  • 3.
    Why Beam direction? Why Beam direction ? Homogenous tumor low normal tissue dose dose better therapeutic ratio
  • 4.
    Prerequisites for beamdirection Prerequisites for beam direction  Patient factors: ◦ Early stage of disease ◦ Good general condition ◦ Good nutritional status ◦ Radical treatment intent (curative)  Machine factors: ◦ Isocentric ◦ Non isocentric
  • 5.
  • 6.
    LOCALISATION LOCALISATION  The targetvolume and critical normal tissues are delineated with respect to with respect to patient’s external surface contour.  What to localize? ◦ Tumor ◦ Organ  Methods? ◦ Clinical examination ◦ Imaging
  • 7.
    Why Localize? Why Localize? Irradiate the tumor and spare the normal tissue.  Allow calculations and beam balancing.  Define radiation portals.  Use the beam directing devices.
  • 8.
    Clinical localization Clinical localization Advantages: ◦ Available everywhere. ◦ Cheapest and quickest(?). ◦ Needs little additional equipment.  Disadvantages: ◦ Error prone in the wrong hands. ◦ Accessible areas required. ◦ Volumetric data not easily obtained.  Clinical localization is mandatory despite advanced imaging – need to know what to image!
  • 9.
    Imaging Localization Imaging Localization Imaging: ◦ X-rays:  Plain  Contrast Studies ◦ CT scans ◦ MRI scans ◦ USG scans ◦ PET scan ◦ Fusion imaging  Type of study selected depends on: ◦ Precision desired. ◦ Cost considerations ◦ Time considerations ◦ Labour considerations
  • 10.
    X rays X rays The most common and cheapest modality available.  However 2-D data acquired only.  Orthogonal films can be used with appropriate contrast enhancement for localization in 3 dimensions
  • 11.
    X rays X rays Plain films: ◦ Head and neck region ◦ Cervix (radio-opaque markers)  Contrast ◦ Esophagus ◦ Rectum ◦ Bladder ◦ Stomach
  • 12.
    Estimation of depth Estimationof depth  From data gained by localization studies: ◦ CT / MRI – Accurate data ◦ Lateral height method ◦ Tube shift method  Depth estimation necessary for: ◦ Calculations ◦ Selection of beam energy
  • 13.
    Lateral height method Lateralheight method d d H1 + H22 d = H1 H2
  • 14.
    Tube shift method Tubeshift method  Image shift and tube shift are interrelated WHEN the tube to target distance remains constant.  Goal: To obtain a graph of different object heights against the tube shift.  Serial measurements of image shift measured (for same tube to film distance) while varying the height of the markers above the table.
  • 15.
    Tube shift principles Tubeshift principles Marker d2 y f S Tumor x1 x2 d1
  • 16.
    Calculation Calculation d1 f y y d2 x1 x2 x1 S = d1 f – d1 S x2 S = d2 f– d2 y y = d2 – d1 = f x2 + S x2 - x1 + S x1 Tumor Marker
  • 17.
    CT scans CT scans Provides electron density data which can be directly used by theTPS.  Volumetric reconstruction possible.  Good image resolution - better where bony anatomy is to be evaluated.  The image is a gray scale representation of the CT numbers – related to the attenuation coefficients.  Hounsfield units = (μtissue – μwater) x 1000/ (μwater) 253 265 235 125 125 112 56 450 156 135 158 247 269 300 65 36 123 598
  • 18.
    CT scan perquisites CTscan perquisites  Flat table top  Large diameter scan aperture (≥ 70 cm).  Positioning, leveling and immobilization done in the treatment position.  Adequate internal contrast – external landmarks to be delineated too.  Preferably images to be transferred electronically to preserve electron density data.
  • 19.
    MRI scans MRI scans Advantages: ◦ Imaging in multiple planes without formatting. ◦ Greater tissue contrast – essential for proper target delineation in brain and head and neck ◦ No ionizing radiation involved.  Disadvantages: ◦ Lower spatial resolution ◦ Longer scan times ◦ Inability to image calcification or bones.
  • 20.
    Fusion Imaging Fusion Imaging Includes PET – CT imaging and Fusion MRI.  Allows “biological modulation” of radiation therapy.  Expensive : requires additional software  Final clinical utility – still remains to be realized
  • 21.
    POSITIONING POSITIONING  Patient positioningis the most vital and often the most NEGLECTED NEGLECTED part of beam direction:  Good patient position is ALWAYS: ◦ Stable. ◦ Comfortable. ◦ Minimizes movements. ◦ Reproducible.
  • 22.
    Standard Positions Standard Positions Supine: ◦ MC used body position. ◦ Also most comfortable. ◦ Best and quickest for setup. ◦ Minimizes errors due to miscommunication.  Prone: ◦ Best for treating posterior structures like spine ◦ In some obese patients setup improved as the back is flat and less mobile.
  • 23.
    Positioning aids Positioning aids Help to maintain patients in non standard positions.  These positions necessary to maximize therapeutic ratio.  Accessories allow manipulation of the non rigid human body to allow a comfortable, reproducible and stable position.
  • 24.
  • 25.
    Breast Boards Breast Boards Disadvantages: ◦ Possibility of skin reactions in the infra mammary folds ◦ Access to CT scanners hampered  Solutions: ◦ Thermoplastic brassieres. ◦ Breast rings. ◦ Prone treatment support.  Allow comfortable arm up support brings arms ► out of the way of lateral beams.  Positions patient so that the breast / sternum is horizontal avoiding ► angulation of the collimator.  Pulls breast down into a better position by the pull of gravity.
  • 26.
    Breast boards… Breast boards… ModernBreast Board Indexed Arm supports Indexed wrist support Head rest Carbon fiber tilt board Wedge to prevent sliding
  • 27.
  • 28.
  • 29.
    Mould making :Contd.. Mould making : Contd..
  • 30.
    Mould making :Contd.. Mould making : Contd..
  • 31.
    Thermoplastics Thermoplastics  Thermoplastics arelong polymers with few cross links.  They also possess a “plastic memory” - tendency to revert to normal flat shape when reheated
  • 32.
    Foam systems Foam systems Made of polyurethane  Advantages: ◦ Ability to cut treatment portals into foam. ◦ Mark treatment fields on the foam. ◦ Rigid and holds shape.  Disadvantages: ◦ Chance of spillage ◦ Environmental hazard during disposal
  • 33.
    Vacuum bags Vacuum bags Consist of polystyrene beads that are locked in position with vacuum.  Can be reused.  However like former immobilization not perfect.
  • 34.
    Bite Blocks Bite Blocks A simple yet elegant design to immobilize the head.  A dental impression mouthpiece used.  The impression is attached to the base plate and is indexed.
  • 35.
    SRS devices SRS devices Sterotactic frames.  Gill Thomas Cosman System.  TALON® Systems – NOMOS corp.
  • 36.
    Patient Contouring Patient Contouring Contour is the representation of external body outline.  Methods: ◦ Plaster of Paris ◦ Lead wire ◦ Thermoplastic contouring material ◦ Flurographic method ◦ CT/MRI
  • 37.
    RADIATION RADIATION FIELD  Types: ◦Geometrical:Area DEFINED by the light beam at any given depth as projected from the point of origin of the beam. ◦ Physical:Area encompassed by the 50% isodose curve at the isocenter. In LINACs often defined at the 80% isodose.
  • 38.
    Single Field Single Field Criteria for acceptability: 1. Dose distribution to be uniform (±5%) 2. Maximum dose to tissues in beam ≤ 110%. 3. Critical structures don’t receive dose exceeding their normal tolerance.  Situations used: ◦ Skin tumors ◦ CSI ◦ Supraclavicular region ◦ Palliative treatments
  • 39.
    2 Field techniques 2Field techniques  Can be : ◦ Parallel opposed ◦ Angled  Perpendicular  Oblique ◦ Wedged pair  Advantages: ◦ Simplicity ◦ Reproducibility ◦ Less chance of geometrical miss ◦ Homogenous dose • Dose homogeneity depends on: • Patient thickness • Beam energy • Beam “flatness”
  • 40.
    Disadvantage of 2field techniques -large amount of normal tissue gets radiation -if separation is more there is an arc like distribution so, in ca cx if separation is >16 cm four fields are used.
  • 41.
    3 field techniques 3field techniques  Used in -deep seated tumors -to save vital structures  Example -ca esophaghus -ca lung -ca UB -ca nasopharynx with ant extention -ca maxilla with ethmoidal extention
  • 42.
    4 field techniques 4field techniques  Used in -ca cx -ca rectum
  • 43.
    Multiple fields Multiple fields Used in 3DCRT & IMRT  Used to obtain a “conformal” dose distribution in the modern radiotherapy techniques.  Disadvantages: ◦ Integral dose increases ◦ Certain beam angles are prohibited due to proximity of critical structures. ◦ Setup accuracy better with parallel opposed arrangement.
  • 44.
    Magna field Magna field Radical treatment of lymphoma(HD)  Whole body irradiation  Hemi body irradiation
  • 45.
    DOSE DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS Done manually or in the TPS.  Manual distribution gives a hands on idea of what to expect with dose distributions.  Inefficient and time consuming.  Pros: ◦ Cheap ◦ Universally available ◦ Adequate for most clinical situations.
  • 46.
    Calculations Calculations  Techniques: ◦ SSDtechnique (PDD method) ◦ SAD technique ◦ Clarkson’s technique ◦ Computerized
  • 47.
    PRESCRIPTION  Mandatory statements: ◦ Doseto be delivered. ◦ Number of fractions ◦ Number of fractions per week
  • 48.
    SSD technique SSD technique PDD is the ratio of the absorbed dose at any point at depth d to that at a reference depth d0.  D0 is the position of the peak absorbed dose.  Dmax is the peak absorbed dose at the central axis. Total Tumor dose Number of fields x Number of #s = T Incident dose = T x 100 PDD Time = ID Output
  • 49.
    SAD Technique SAD Technique Uses doses normalized at isocenter for calculation.  In this technique the impact of setup variations is minimized.  Setup is easier but manual planning difficult.  Time taken for treatment reduced.
  • 50.
    SAD calculations SAD calculations TotalTumor dose Number of fields x Number of #s = T Inciden t dose = T x 100 TMR/ TAR Time = ID Output
  • 51.
    SSD vs SADtechnique SSD vs SAD technique  SSD treatments: ◦ Relatively less homogenous dose distribution ◦ Setup possible without requiring expensive aids e.g. Laser ◦ PDD charts can be used for simple dose calculations ◦ More skin reactions  SAD treatments: ◦ Less number of MUs required ◦ Time taken is less ◦ Impact of setup inaccuracies is minimized in 2 field techniques ◦ Ease of setup reproducibility in multi field treatments.
  • 52.
    TAR vs. SSD TARvs. SSD  TAR = Tissue Air Ratio  TAR introduced by Jones for rotation therapy.  Allows calculation of dose at isocenter WITHOUT correcting for varying SSDs.  TAR is the ratio of dose at a point in the phantom to the dose in free space at the same point (Dq /D0) Dq D0
  • 53.
    TAR TAR  TAR removesthe influence of SSD as it is a ratio of two doses at the SAME point.  However like PDD the TAR also varies with: ◦ Energy ◦ Depth ◦ Field Size ◦ Field Shape
  • 54.
    EXECUTION & VERIFICATION Can be done using: ◦ Portal Films ◦ Electronic Portal images ◦ Cone Beam CT mounted on treatment machines (IGRT). ◦ Seen during treatment -CCTV camera -lead glass -mirror -infrared camera (in imrt)
  • 55.
    Port films Port films ◦Cheapest. ◦ Legal necessity(?) ◦ But have several disadvantages.
  • 56.
    Port film disadvantages Portfilm disadvantages  Factors leading to poor image contrast: ◦ High beam energy (> 10 MV) ◦ Large source size ( Cobalt) ◦ Large patient thickness (> 20 cm)  Slow acquisition times.  Image enhancement not possible.  Storage problems.
  • 57.
    Electronic Portal Imaging ElectronicPortal Imaging  Video based EPIDS  Fiber optic systems  Matrix liquid ion chambers  Solid state detectors  Amorphous Si technology*
  • 58.
    BEAM DIRECTION DEVICES BEAMDIRECTION DEVICES The main beam direction devices are: ◦ Collimators ◦ Front pointer / SSD indicator ◦ Back Pointer ◦ Pin and arc ◦ Isocentric mounting ◦ Lasers
  • 59.
    Collimators Collimators  Collimators providebeams of desired shape and size.  Types: ◦ Fixed / Master collimator. ◦ Movable / Treatment collimator.
  • 60.
    Fixed Collimators Fixed Collimators Protects the patient from bulk of the radiation.  Dictates the maximum field size for the machine.  Maximum beam size is when exposure at periphery is 50% of that of the center.  In megavoltage radiotherapy beam angle used is 20°.
  • 61.
    Master Collimator :Design Master Collimator : Design  In megavoltage x ray machines beam energy is maximum in forward direction. • Beam energy is equal in telecurie sources so primary collimators are spherical.
  • 62.
    Movable Collimators Movable Collimators Define the required field size and shape.  Placed below the master collimators results in trimming of the penumbra.  Types: ◦ Applicators ◦ Jaws / Movable diaphragms
  • 63.
    Applicators: Design Applicators: Design MetalPlate with hole Lead Sheet Box Plastic Cap
  • 64.
    Applicators Applicators  Advantages: ◦ Indicatesize and shape of beam. ◦ Distance maintained. ◦ Direction shown. ◦ Plastic ends allow compression. ◦ Compression allows immobilization. ◦ Penumbra minimized.  Disadvantages: ◦ Useful for low energy only. ◦ Separate sizes and shapes required. ◦ Costly. ◦ Shapes may change due frequent handling.
  • 65.
    Jaws Jaws  Handling ofheavy weight not required.  Skin sparing effect retained.  Jaws moved mechanically – accurately. Jaw border lies along the line radiating from focal spot
  • 66.
    Jaws: Disadvantages Jaws: Disadvantages DisadvantagesRemedy Size and shape of field remain unknown Light beam shining through the jaws Patient to source distance unknown SSD indicator used. Compression not possible A Perspex box may be applied to the head
  • 67.
    Front & backpointers Front & back pointers  This method requires the identification & marking on the patient’s surface, of two points lying on a line passing through the tumor centre.  Entry point- A  Tumor centre- T  Exit point- B
  • 69.
    Front Pointer/ SSDindicator Front Pointer/ SSD indicator  Detachable device to measure the SSD and align the beam axis.  Designed so that it may be swung out of the beam path during treatment.
  • 70.
    Back Pointer Back Pointer The pointer can be moved in the sleeve.  A nipple is used to allow compression.  The arrow lies along the central ray.
  • 71.
    Sites used Sites used Front pointer and back pointer used in the following situations: ◦ Head and Neck ◦ Breast ◦ Brain tumors
  • 72.
    Limitations Limitations  Requires skinmarks – inherently unreliable.  Back pointer is unreliable when compression is desired.  Both front and back points must be accessible.  Accurate localization of tumor center is mandatory.
  • 73.
    Pin & Arc Pin& Arc Pin Arc Bubble
  • 74.
    Principle Principle  Based onthe principle of parallelogram
  • 75.
    How does itwork? How does it work?  arrangement of pin & arc is such that when pin is at it’s lowest position, it’s lower end is on the central axis of beam & on centre of curvature of arc.  Depth of the tumor is already known.  Pin is withdrawn the reqd. distance & it’s lower end is brought in contact with the surface mark.
  • 76.
     So longas the pin is vertical the rest of equipment & applicator will rotate about the centre of tumor and central ray will always pass through it  Thus keeping the pin vertical & in contact with surface mark any particular angle can be selected  The oblique distance can be read off the scale or bar by applying principle of parallelogram.
  • 77.
    Advantages of Pin& Arc Advantages of Pin & Arc  Allows Isocentric treatment of ◦ Deep tumors. ◦ Eccentric tumors.  Can be used with compression e.g. in treating deep seated tumors.  Can be used for manual verification of Isocentric placement of machines
  • 78.
    Sites where used Siteswhere used  Mostly in midline tumors situated at a depth ◦ Esophagus ◦ Cervix ◦ Bladder ◦ Rectum ◦ Vagina ◦ Lung sometimes
  • 79.
    Isocentric Mounting Isocentric Mounting First used by Flanders and Newberg of Hammersmith Hospital for early linear accelerators.  The axis of rotation of the three structures: ◦ Gantry ◦ Collimator ◦ Couch coincide at a point known as the Isocenter.
  • 80.
    Why Isocentric Mounting? WhyIsocentric Mounting?  Enhances accuracy.  Allows faster setup and is more accurate than older non isocentrically mounted machines.  Makes setup transfer easy from the simulator to the treatment machine.
  • 81.
    Lasers Lasers  LASER =Light Amplification Of stimulated Emission Of Radiation  Typically 3 pairs are provided with the machine and intersect at the isocenter.  Also define: ◦ Beam Entry ◦ Beam Exit
  • 82.
    Lasers Lasers  Other uses: ◦Checking the isocenter ◦ Reproducing the setup on the simulator at the treatment couch.  Fallacies: ◦ Accurate setup depends on proper alignment of the lasers themselves ◦ Lasers known to move  frequent adjustments needed.
  • 83.
    Conclusion Conclusion  Beam directiondevices & methods are important part of radiotherapy which aids in accurate treatment.  To neglect the extra accuracy that can be gained by beam direction is to throw away much of the value of the powerful and expensive apparatus now in use in radiotherapy.
  • 84.