Date of Award
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Selvaraj, Raj
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility of introducing the Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation algorithm into the clinical practice. Unlike the Ray Tracing (RT) algorithm, the MC algorithm is not affected by the tissue inhomogeneities, which are significant inside the chest cavity. A retrospective study was completed for 102 plans calculated using both the RT and MC algorithms. The D95 of the PTV was 26% lower for the MC calculation. The first parameter of conformality, as defined as the ratio of the Prescription Isodose Volume to the PTV Volume was on average 1.27 for RT and 0.67 for MC. The results confirm that the RT algorithm significantly overestimates the dosages delivered confirming previous analyses. Correlations indicate that these overestimates are largest for small PTV and/or when the ratio of the volume of lung tissue to the PTV approaches 1.
Extent
83 p.
Recommended Citation
Pennington, Andreea, "Comparison of treatment plans calculated using ray tracing and Monte Carlo algorithms for lung cancer patients having undergone radiotherapy with cyberknife" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019. 956.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_6/956
Identifier
FA00004316
Comments
Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.