Purpose Deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms may enable multi-fraction dose tracking and improved treatment response assessment, but the accuracy of these methods must be investigated. This study introduces and evaluates a novel deformable 3D dosimetry system (Presage-Def/Optical-CT) and its application toward investigating the accuracy of dose deformation in a commercial DIR package. Methods and Materials Presage-Def is a new dosimetry material consisting of an elastic polyurethane matrix doped with radiochromic leuco dye. Radiological and mechanical properties were characterized using standard techniques. Dose-tracking feasibility was evaluated by comparing dose distributions between dosimeters irradiated with and without 27% lateral compression. A checkerboard plan of 5 mm square fields enabled precise measurement of true deformation using 3D dosimetry. Predicted deformation was determined from a commercial DIR algorithm. Results Presage-Def exhibited a linear dose response with sensitivity of 0.0032 ΔOD/(Gy·cm). Mass density is 1.02 g/cm3 and effective atomic number is within 1.5% of water over a broad (0.03–10 MeV) energy range, indicating good water-equivalence. Elastic characteristics were close to liver tissue, with Young’s modulus of 13.5–887 kPa over a stress range of 0.233–303 kPa, and Poisson’s ratio of 0.475 (SE=0.036). The Presage-Def/Optical-CT system successfully imaged the non-deformed and deformed dose distributions with isotropic resolution of 1 mm. Comparison with the predicted deformed 3D dose distribution identified inaccuracies in the commercial DIR algorithm. While external contours were accurately deformed (sub-millimeter accuracy), volumetric dose deformation was poor. Checkerboard field positioning and dimension errors of up to 9 and 14 mm respectively were identified, and the 3D DIR-deformed dose gamma passing rate was only γ3%/3mm=60.0%. Conclusions The Presage-Def/Optical-CT system shows strong potential for comprehensive investigation of DIR algorithm accuracy. Substantial errors in a commercial DIR were found in the conditions evaluated. This work highlights the critical importance of careful validation of DIR algorithms prior to clinical implementation.

The purpose of this work was to characterize three formulations of PRESAGE® dosimeters (DEA-1, DEA-2, and DX) and to identify optimal readout timing and procedures for accurate in-house 3D dosimetry. The optimal formulation and procedure was then applied for the verification of an intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment technique. PRESAGE® formulations were studied for their temporal stability postirradiation, sensitivity, and linearity of dose response. Dosimeters were read out using a high-resolution optical-CT scanner. Small volumes of PRESAGE® were irradiated to investigate possible differences in sensitivity for large and small volumes (‘volume effect’). The optimal formulation and read-out technique was applied to the verification of two patient treatments: an IMRT plan and a VMAT plan. A gradual decrease in post-irradiation optical-density was observed in all formulations with DEA-1 exhibiting the best temporal stability with less than 4% variation between 2–22 h post-irradiation. A linear dose response at the 4 h time point was observed for all formulations with an R2 value >0.99. A large volume effect was observed for DEA-1 with sensitivity of the large dosimeter being ~63% less than the sensitivity of the cuvettes. For the IMRT and VMAT treatments, the 3D gamma passing rates for 3%/3 mm criteria using absolute measured dose were 99.6 and 94.5% for the IMRT and VMAT treatments, respectively. In summary, this work shows that accurate 3D dosimetry is possible with all three PRESAGE® formulations. The optimal imaging windows post-irradiation were 3–24 h, 2–6 h, and immediately for the DEA-1, DEA-2, and DX formulations, respectively. Because of the large volume effect, small volume cuvettes are not yet a reliable method for calibration of larger dosimeters to absolute dose. Finally, PRESAGE® is observed to be a useful method of 3D verification when careful consideration is given to the temporal stability and imaging protocols for the specific formulation used.

Purpose This article summarizes the evolution of microwave array applicators for heating large area chestwall disease as an adjuvant to external beam radiation, systemic chemotherapy, and potentially simultaneous brachytherapy. Methods Current devices used for thermotherapy of chestwall recurrence are reviewed. The largest conformal array applicator to date is evaluated in four studies: i) ability to conform to the torso is demonstrated with a CT scan of a torso phantom and MR scan of the conformal waterbolus component on a mastectomy patient; ii) Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and temperature distributions are calculated with electromagnetic and thermal simulation software for a mastectomy patient; iii). SAR patterns are measured with a scanning SAR probe in liquid muscle phantom for a buried coplanar waveguide CMA; and iv) heating patterns and patient tolerance of CMA applicators are characterized in a clinical pilot study with 13 patients. Results CT and MR scans demonstrate excellent conformity of CMA applicators to contoured anatomy. Simulations demonstrate effective control of heating over contoured anatomy. Measurements confirm effective coverage of large treatment areas with no gaps. In 42 hyperthermia treatments, CMA applicators provided well-tolerated effective heating of up to 500cm2 regions, achieving target temperatures of Tmin=41.4±0.7°C, T90=42.1±0.6°C, Tave=42.8±0.6°C, and Tmax=44.3±0.8°C as measured in an average of 90 points per treatment. Summary The CMA applicator is an effective thermal therapy device for heating large-area superficial disease such as diffuse chestwall recurrence. It is able to cover over three times the treatment area of conventional hyperthermia devices while conforming to typical body contours.

This device should prove a welcome addition to a currently limited set of superficial heating applicators to provide controllable heating of superficial tissue disease.

Purpose: Recent trends in stereotactic radiosurgery use multifocal volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans to simultaneously treat several distinct targets. Conventional verification often involves low resolution measurements in a single plane, a cylinder, or intersecting planes of diodes or ion chambers. This work presents an investigation into the consistency and reproducibility of this new treatment technique using a comprehensive commissioned high-resolution 3D dosimetry system (PRESAGE R /Optical-CT). Methods: A complex VMAT plan consisting of a single isocenter but five separate targets was created in Eclipse for a head phantom containing a cylindrical PRESAGE R dosimetry insert of 11 cm diameter and height. The plan contained five VMAT arcs delivering target doses from 12 to 20 Gy. The treatment was delivered to four dosimeters positioned in the head phantom and repeated four times, yielding four separate 3D dosimetry verifications. Each delivery was completely independent and was given after image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) positioning using Brainlab ExacTrac and cone beam computed tomography. A final delivery was given to a modified insert containing a pin-point ion chamber enabling calibration of PRESAGE R 3D data to dose. Dosimetric data were read out in an optical-CT scanner. Consistency and reproducibility of the treatment technique (including IGRT setup) was investigated by comparing the dose distributions in the four inserts, and with the predicted treatment planning system distribution. Results: Dose distributions from the four dosimeters were registered and analyzed to determine the mean and standard deviation at all points throughout the dosimeters. A dose standard deviation of <3% was found from dosimeter to dosimeter. Global 3D gamma maps show that the predicted and measured dose matched well [3D gamma passing rate was 98.0% (3%, 2 mm)]. Conclusions:The deliveries of the irradiation were found to be consistent and matched the treatment plan, demonstrating high accuracy and reproducibility of both the treatment machine and the IGRT procedure. The complexity of the treatment (multiple arcs) and dosimetry (multiple strong gradients) pose a substantial challenge for comprehensive verification. 3D dosimetry can be uniquely effective in this scenario.