Examination of the characteristics of small fields used in intensity modulated radiotherapy technique

This study was performed by 6 MV photons produced by Elekta Synergy linear accelerator. The characteristics of the small fields, used in intensity modulated radiotherapy technique, were compared with each other in this study by relative and absolute dose measurements. Some of the fields in the scope of this study (1x1 cm2-10x10 cm2) were placed on central axis of the device and some of them were placed away from central axis of beam by shifting toward 3 different collimator axis. The IBA CC04 ion chamber and Blue water phantom were used to perform measurement of percentage depth dose (the percentage of dose depend on depths) and profiles on mentioned fields. The energy, dDmax, D20/D10, symmetry, flatness, penumbra and FWHM values were obtained from percentage depth dose and profiles. The CC04 ion chamber with brass alloy "build-up" cap and empty water phantom tank were used to define collimator scattering factor in the air. The output measurements of selected fields were performed by CC04 ion chamber and thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) in the solid water phantom. In addition, the 6 mm depth dose of each field was measured by TLDs. The dDmax depth and D20/D10 ratio were decreased depending on decreasing in size of fields that placed on the central axis. The beam symmetry value for all fields was found in the limit (+3%). The flatness parameter exceeded 3% limit value in fields smaller than 5x5 cm2. So, the FWHM was found to be much more effective parameter for small fields. According to the collimator scattering factor value of 10x10 cm2, the collimator scattering factor was decreased by decreasing the field size. Also, it was shown that the dDmax (16 mm) namely output values were linearly decreased by decreasing field size. The same behavior at the 6 mm (surface dose) was observed by TLD dose measurement values. When the field placements were moved away from central axis, the dDmax depth (16 mm) approached to the surface. Decreasing of D20/D10 ratio that calculated from profile of each field placed on the X2, Y1 and Diagonal directions, were seen. According to field displacement from central axis on all directions, the collimator scatter factor increased about 3% to 6%. The increment rate on output was detected in ion chamber and TLD results. Also, the detector results showed compatibility with each other up to 2x2 cm2. In general, the surface dose on each field increased by shifting in all direction. Compared to the conventional techniques, IMRT technique has more complicated dosimetry measurements because it employs smaller fields. Therefore, in order to calculate the correct dose in IMRT techniques the small fields and their dosimetric characteristics would be modeled appropriately in the treatment planning system and then the quality control should be provided. Dosimetric studies within the scope of the thesis were carried out at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology and Denizli State Hospital Radiotherapy Centre.