Enhancement of radiation exposure risk from β-emitter radionuclides due to Internal Bremsstrahlung effect: A Monte Carlo study of 90Y case

Employment of β-decaying radionuclides, used in many fields (industrial, clinical, research) requires a correct assessment of the operators’ radiological exposure. Usually, in the dosimetric evaluation, the contribution coming from Internal Bremsstrahlung (IB) accompanying the β-decay is not kept into account; nevertheless, this negligibility does not always appear justified, at least for high-energy β-emitters. By means of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, we showed how the contribution from IB photons is noteworthy for the evaluation of the overall radiation absorbed dose in the case of ⁹⁰Y source. We evaluated an increase of the absorbed doses, respectively for a point source and the considered receptacles, up to + 34% and + 60% or + 15% and + 28%, depending on the adopted model of IB spectrum. These results demonstrate the relevance of IB phenomenon in radiation protection estimations and suggest extending future theoretical and experimental studies to other β-decaying radionuclides.     

Towards breast cancer rotational radiotherapy with synchrotron radiation

PurposeWe performed the first investigations, via measurements and Monte Carlo simulations on phantoms, of the feasibility of a new technique for synchrotron radiation rotational radiotherapy for breast cancer (SR³T).MethodsA Monte Carlo (MC) code based on Geant4 toolkit was developed in order to simulate the irradiation with the SR³T technique and to evaluate the skin sparing effect in terms of centre-to-periphery dose ratio at different energies in the range 60–175 keV. Preliminary measurements were performed at the Australian Synchrotron facility. Radial dose profiles in a 14-cm diameter polyethylene phantom were measured with a 100-mm pencil ionization chamber for different beam sizes and compared with the results of MC simulations. Finally, the dose painting feasibility was demonstrated with measurements with EBT3 radiochromic films in a phantom and collimating the SR beam at 1.5 cm in the horizontal direction.ResultsMC simulations showed that the SR³T technique assures a tumour-to-skin absorbed dose ratio from about 7:1 (at 60 keV photon energy) to about 10:1 (at 175 keV), sufficient for skin sparing during radiotherapy. The comparison between the results of MC simulations and measurements showed an agreement within 5%. Two off-centre foci were irradiated shifting the rotation centre in the horizontal direction.ConclusionsThe SR³T technique permits to obtain different dose distributions in the target with multiple rotations and can be guided via synchrotron radiation breast computed tomography imaging, in propagation based phase-contrast conditions. Use of contrast agents like iodinated solutions or gold nanoparticles for dose enhancement (DE-SR³T) is foreseen and will be investigated in future work.     

A new method for output factor determination in MLC shaped narrow beams

A new method for the measurement of output factors of narrow beams is presented in this work. By combining a new large area parallel plane ionization chamber (PTW model T34070) with a relative film dosimetry the output factors of small square fields of a 6 MV beam shaped by a MLC were measured. Several detectors (three ionization chambers, two solid state detectors and film) and Monte Carlo simulation were also employed to validate this new methodology and also to determine those detectors more suitable for narrow beam output factor determination.The proposed method for output factor measurement has shown to be in a very good agreement with diamond, diode and Monte Carlo results while it is insensitive to position displacements. Several uncertainties associated to the process of narrow beam dosimetry have also been addressed.     

Dosimetry in magnetic fields with dedicated MR-compatible ionization chambers

MR-integrated radiotherapy requires suitable dosimetry detectors to be used in magnetic fields. This study investigates the feasibility of using dedicated MR-compatible ionization chambers at MR-integrated radiotherapy devices. MR-compatible ionization chambers (Exradin A19MR, A1SLMR, A26MR, A28MR) were precisely modeled and their relative response in a 6MV treatment beam in the presence of a magnetic field was simulated using EGSnrc. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out with the magnetic field in three orientations: the magnetic field aligned perpendicular to the chamber and beam axis (transverse orientation), the magnetic field parallel to the chamber as well as parallel to the beam axis. Monte Carlo simulation results were validated with measurements using an electromagnet with magnetic field strength upto 1.1 T with the chambers in transverse orientation. The measurements and simulation results were in good agreement, except for the A26MR ionization chamber in transverse orientation. The maximum increase in response of the ionization chambers observed was 8.6% for the transverse orientation. No appreciable change in chamber response due to the magnetic field was observed for the magnetic field parallel to the ionization chamber and parallel to the photon beam.Polarity and recombination correction factor were experimentally investigated in the transverse orientation. The polarity effect and recombination effect were not altered by a magnetic field.This study further investigates the response of the ionization chambers as a function of the chambers’ rotation around their longitudinal axis. A variation in response was observed when the chamber was not rotationally symmetric, which was independent of the magnetic field.     

Fast Monte Carlo codes for occupational dosimetry in interventional radiology

PurposeInterventional radiology techniques cause radiation exposure both to patient and personnel. The radiation dose to the operator is usually measured with dosimeters located at specific points above or below the lead aprons. The aim of this study is to develop and validate two fast Monte Carlo (MC) codes for radiation transport in order to improve the assessment of individual doses in interventional radiology. The proposed methodology reduces the number of required dosemeters and provides immediate dose results.MethodsTwo fast MC simulation codes, PENELOPE/penEasyIR and MCGPU-IR, have been developed. Both codes have been validated by comparing fast MC calculations with the multipurpose PENELOPE MC code and with measurements during a realistic interventional procedure.ResultsThe new codes were tested with a computation time of about 120 s to estimate operator doses while a standard simulation needs several days to obtain similar uncertainties. When compared with the standard calculation in simple set-ups, MCGPU-IR tends to underestimate doses (up to 5%), while PENELOPE/penEasyIR overestimates them (up to 18%). When comparing both fast MC codes with experimental values in realistic set-ups, differences are within 25%. These differences are within accepted uncertainties in individual monitoring.ConclusionThe study highlights the fact that computational dosimetry based on the use of fast MC codes can provide good estimates of the personal dose equivalent and overcome some of the limitations of occupational monitoring in interventional radiology. Notably, MCGPU-IR calculates both organ doses and effective dose, providing a better estimate of radiation risk.     

Development of Dual Ensemble Monte Carlo Program and its Application to the CO2/N2 Separation

Abstract

A novel Monte Carlo simulation named as Dual Ensemble Monte Carlo (DEMC) method is developed for the investigation of the membrane separation process. In this method the spatial combination of Grand Canonical MC and Canonical MC techniques is employed. The DEMC method can be used to calculate the separation factor at a specific chemical potential gradient. At first, a check on the accuracy of the DEMC method is made by generating gas density gradient between two reservoir regions. Thereafter, we applied this method to CO₂/N₂ gas separation by inorganic membranes and calculated the separation factor dependence on the size of micropore in membranes.     

Monte Carlo as quality control tool of stereotactic body radiation therapy treatment plans

Purpose/objectiveThe objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of treatment plans of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and to verify the feasibility of the use of Monte Carlo (MC) as quality control (QC) on a daily basis.Material/methodsUsing EGSnrc, a MC model of Agility™ linear accelerator was created. Various measurements (Percentage depth dose (PDD), Profiles and Output factors) were done for different fields sizes from 1x1 up to 40x40 (cm²). An iterative model optimization was performed to achieve adequate parameters of MC simulation. 40 SBRT patient’s dosimetry plans were calculated by Monaco™ 3.1.1. CT images, RT-STRUCT and RT-PLAN files from Monaco™ being used as input for Moderato MC code. Finally, dose volume histogram (DVH) and paired t-tests for each contour were used for dosimetry comparison of the Monaco™ and MC.ResultsValidation of MC model was successful, as <2% difference comparing to measurements for all field’s sizes. The main energy of electron source incident on the target was 5.8 MeV, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of Gaussian electron source were 0.09 and 0.2 (cm) in X and Y directions, respectively. For 40 treatment plan comparisons, the minimum absolute difference of mean dose of planning treatment planning (PTV) was 0.1% while the maximum was 6.3%. The minimum absolute difference of Max dose of PTV was 0.2% while the maximum was 8.1%.ConclusionSBRT treatment plans of Monaco agreed with MC results. It possible to use MC for treatment plans verifications as independent QC tool.     

Monte Carlo simulation of gold nanoparticles for X-ray enhancement application

BackgroundGold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are regarded as potential agents that enhance the radiosensitivity of tumor cells for theranostic applications. To elucidate the biological mechanisms of radiation dose enhancement effects of Au NPs as well as DNA damage attributable to the inclusion of Au NPs, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have been deployed in a number of studies.Scope of ReviewThis review paper concisely collates and reviews the information reported in the simulation research in terms of MC simulation of radiosensitization and dose enhancement effects caused by the inclusion of Au NPs in tumor cells, simulation mechanisms, benefits and limitations.Major conclusionsIn this review, we first explore the recent advances in MC simulation on Au NPs radiosensitization. The MC methods, physical dose enhancement and enhanced chemical and biological effects is discussed, followed by some results regarding the prediction of dose enhancement. We then review Multi-scale MC simulations of Au NP-induced DNA damages for X-ray irradiation. Moreover, we explain and look at Multi-scale MC simulations of Au NP-induced DNA damages for X-ray irradiation.General significanceUsing advanced chemical module-implemented MC simulations, there is a need to assess the radiation-induced chemical radicals that contribute to the dose-enhancing and biological effects of multiple Au NPs.     

A Monte Carlo model for the internal dosimetry of choroid plexuses in nuclear medicine procedures

Choroid plexuses are vascular structures located in the brain ventricles, showing specific uptake of some diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals currently under clinical investigation, such as integrin-binding arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides. No specific geometry for choroid plexuses has been implemented in commercially available software for internal dosimetry.The aims of the present study were to assess the dependence of absorbed dose to the choroid plexuses on the organ geometry implemented in Monte Carlo simulations, and to propose an analytical model for the internal dosimetry of these structures for ¹⁸F, ⁶⁴Cu, ⁶⁷Cu, ⁶⁸Ga, ⁹⁰Y, ¹³¹I and ¹⁷⁷Lu nuclides. A GAMOS Monte Carlo simulation based on direct organ segmentation was taken as the gold standard to validate a second simulation based on a simplified geometrical model of the choroid plexuses. Both simulations were compared with the OLINDA/EXM sphere model.The gold standard and the simplified geometrical model gave similar dosimetry results (dose difference < 3.5%), indicating that the latter can be considered as a satisfactory approximation of the real geometry. In contrast, the sphere model systematically overestimated the absorbed dose compared to both Monte Carlo models (range: 4–50% dose difference), depending on the isotope energy and organ mass. Therefore, the simplified geometric model was adopted to introduce an analytical approach for choroid plexuses dosimetry in the mass range 2–16 g. The proposed model enables the estimation of the choroid plexuses dose by a simple bi-parametric function, once the organ mass and the residence time of the radiopharmaceutical under investigation are provided.     

Monte Carlo simulation and measurement of radiation leakage from applicators used in external electron radiotherapy

External electron radiotherapy is performed using a cone or applicator to collimate the beam. However, because of a trade-off between collimation and scattering/bremsstrahlung X-ray production, applicators generate a small amount of secondary radiation (leakage). We investigate the peripheral dose outside the radiation field of a Varian-type applicator. The dose and fluence outside the radiation field were analyzed in a detailed Monte Carlo simulation. The differences between the calculation results and data measured in a water phantom in an ionization chamber were less than ±1% in regions more than 3 mm below the surface of the phantom and at the depth of dose maximum. The calculated fluence was analyzed inside and outside the radiation field on a plane just above the water phantom surface. Changing the electron energy affected the off-axis fluence distribution outside the radiation field; however, the size of the applicator had little effect on this distribution. For each energy, the distributions outside the radiation field were similar to the dose distribution at shallow depths in the water phantom. The effect of secondary electrons generation by photon transmission through the alloy making up the lowest scraper was largest in the region from the field edge to directly below the cutout and at higher beam energies. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation confirm that the peripheral dose outside the field is significantly affected by radiation scattered or transmitted from the applicator, and the effect increases with the electron energy.     

A computationally efficient Monte-Carlo model for biomedical Raman spectroscopy

Monte Carlo (MC) modeling is a valuable tool to gain fundamental understanding of light-tissue interactions, provide guidance and assessment to optical instrument designs, and help analyze experimental data. It has been a major challenge to efficiently extend MC towards modeling of bulk-tissue Raman spectroscopy (RS) due to the wide spectral range, relatively sharp spectral features, and presence of background autofluorescence. Here, we report a computationally efficient MC approach for RS by adapting the massively-parallel Monte Carlo eXtreme (MCX) simulator. Simulation efficiency is achieved through “isoweight,” a novel approach that combines the statistical generation of Raman scattered and Fluorescence emission with a lookup-table-based technique well-suited for parallelization. The MC model uses a graphics processor to produce dense Raman and fluorescence spectra over a range of 800 − 2000 cm⁻¹ with an approximately 100× increase in speed over prior RS Monte Carlo methods. The simulated RS signals are compared against experimentally collected spectra from gelatin phantoms, showing a strong correlation.     

Dosimetric and Monte Carlo verification of jaws-only IMRT plans calculated by the Collapsed Cone Convolution algorithm for head and neck cancers

AimThe aim of this study is to verify the Prowess Panther jaws-only intensity modulated radiation therapy (JO-IMRT) treatment planning (TP) by comparing the TP dose distributions for head-and-neck (H&N) cancer with the ones simulated by Monte Carlo (MC).BackgroundTo date, dose distributions planned using JO-IMRT for H&N patients were found superior to the corresponding three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) plans. Dosimetry of the JO-IMRT plans were also experimentally verified using an ionization chamber, MapCHECK 2, and Octavius 4D and good agreements were shown.Materials and methodsDose distributions of 15 JO-IMRT plans of nasopharyngeal patients were recalculated using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code. The clinical photon beams were simulated using the BEAMnrc. The absorbed dose to patients treated by fixed-field IMRT was computed using the DOSXYZnrc. The simulated dose distributions were then compared with the ones calculated by the Collapsed Cone Convolution (CCC) algorithm on the TPS, using the relative dose error comparison and the gamma index using global methods implemented in PTW-VeriSoft with 3%/3 mm, 2%/2 mm, 1%/1 mm criteria.ResultsThere is a good agreement between the MC and TPS dose. The average gamma passing rates were 93.3 ± 3.1%, 92.8 ± 3.2%, 92.4 ± 3.4% based on the 3%/3 mm, 2%/2 mm, 1%/1 mm criteria, respectively.ConclusionsAccording to the results, it is concluded that the CCC algorithm was adequate for most of the IMRT H&N cases where the target was not immediately adjacent to the critical structures.     

Using matrix summation method for three dimensional dose calculation in brachytherapy

AimThe purpose of this study is to calculate radiation dose around a brachytherapy source in a water phantom for different seed locations or rotation the sources by the matrix summation method.BackgroundMonte Carlo based codes like MCNP are widely used for performing radiation transport calculations and dose evaluation in brachytherapy. But for complicated situations, like using more than one source, moving or rotating the source, the routine Monte Carlo method for dose calculation needs a long time running.Materials and methodsThe MCNPX code has been used to calculate radiation dose around a ¹⁹²Ir brachytherapy source and saved in a 3D matrix. Then, we used this matrix to evaluate the absorbed dose in any point due to some sources or a source which shifted or rotated in some places by the matrix summation method.ResultsThree dimensional (3D) dose results and isodose curves were presented for ¹⁹²Ir source in a water cube phantom shifted for 10 steps and rotated for 45 and 90° based on the matrix summation method. Also, we applied this method for some arrays of sources.ConclusionThe matrix summation method can be used for 3D dose calculations for any brachytherapy source which has moved or rotated. This simple method is very fast compared to routine Monte Carlo based methods. In addition, it can be applied for dose optimization study.     

Assessment of the neutron dose field around a biomedical cyclotron: FLUKA simulation and experimental measurements

In the planning of a new cyclotron facility, an accurate knowledge of the radiation field around the accelerator is fundamental for the design of shielding, the protection of workers, the general public and the environment.Monte Carlo simulations can be very useful in this process, and their use is constantly increasing. However, few data have been published so far as regards the proper validation of Monte Carlo simulation against experimental measurements, particularly in the energy range of biomedical cyclotrons.In this work a detailed model of an existing installation of a GE PETtrace 16.5 MeV cyclotron was developed using FLUKA. An extensive measurement campaign of the neutron ambient dose equivalent H¹(10) in marked positions around the cyclotron was conducted using a neutron rem-counter probe and CR39 neutron detectors. Data from a previous measurement campaign performed by our group using TLDs were also re-evaluated.The FLUKA model was then validated by comparing the results of high-statistics simulations with experimental data. In 10 out of 12 measurement locations, FLUKA simulations were in agreement within uncertainties with all the three different sets of experimental data; in the remaining 2 positions, the agreement was with 2/3 of the measurements.Our work allows to quantitatively validate our FLUKA simulation setup and confirms that Monte Carlo technique can produce accurate results in the energy range of biomedical cyclotrons.     

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of <Superscript>60</Superscript>Co γ-rays and <Superscript>90</Superscript>Sr/<Superscript>90</Superscript>Y β-rays on Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1)

Among various types of ionizing radiation, the beta emitter radionuclides are involved in many sectors of human activity, such as nuclear medicine, nuclear industries and biomedicine, with a consequently increased risk of accidental, occupational or therapeutic exposure. Despite their recognized importance, there is little information about the effect of beta particles at the cellular level when compared to other types of ionizing radiation. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y—a pure, highly energetic beta source—on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and to compare them with data obtained with ⁶⁰Co. CHO cells irradiated with different doses of ⁶⁰Co (0.34 Gy min^–1) and ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y (0.23 Gy min^–1) were processed for analysis of clonogenic death, induction of micronuclei (MN) and interphase death. The survival curves obtained for both types of radiation were fitted by the exponential quadratic model and were found to be similar. Also, the cytogenetic results showed similar frequencies of radio-induced MN between gamma and beta radiations and the MN distribution pattern among cells did not follow the expected Poisson probability pattern. The relative variance values were significantly higher in cells irradiated with ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y than with ⁶⁰Co in all exposure doses. The irradiated cells showed more necrotic cells 72 h and 96 h after exposure to beta than to gamma radiation. In general, the ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y -radiation was more damaging than ⁶⁰Co -rays. The data obtained also demonstrated the need to use several parameters for a better estimate of cellular sensitivity to the action of genotoxic agents, which would be important in terms of radiobiology, oncology and therapeutics.     

Multiple-source models for electron beams of a medical linear accelerator using BEAMDP computer code

AimThe aim of this work was to develop multiple-source models for electron beams of the NEPTUN 10PC medical linear accelerator using the BEAMDP computer code.BackgroundOne of the most accurate techniques of radiotherapy dose calculation is the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of radiation transport, which requires detailed information of the beam in the form of a phase-space file. The computing time required to simulate the beam data and obtain phase-space files from a clinical accelerator is significant. Calculation of dose distributions using multiple-source models is an alternative method to phase-space data as direct input to the dose calculation system.Materials and methodsMonte Carlo simulation of accelerator head was done in which a record was kept of the particle phase-space regarding the details of the particle history. Multiple-source models were built from the phase-space files of Monte Carlo simulations. These simplified beam models were used to generate Monte Carlo dose calculations and to compare those calculations with phase-space data for electron beams.ResultsComparison of the measured and calculated dose distributions using the phase-space files and multiple-source models for three electron beam energies showed that the measured and calculated values match well each other throughout the curves.ConclusionIt was found that dose distributions calculated using both the multiple-source models and the phase-space data agree within 1.3%, demonstrating that the models can be used for dosimetry research purposes and dose calculations in radiotherapy.     

Air kerma strength characterization of a GZP6 Cobalt-60 brachytherapy source

Background

Task group number 40 (TG-40) of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has recommended calibration of any brachytherapy source before its clinical use. GZP6 afterloading brachytherapy unit is a ⁶⁰Co high dose rate (HDR) system recently being used in some of the Iranian radiotherapy centers.

Aim

In this study air kerma strength (AKS) of ⁶⁰Co source number three of this unit was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation and in air measurements.

Materials and methods

Simulation was performed by employing the MCNP-4C Monte Carlo code. Self-absorption of the source core and its capsule were taken into account when calculating air kerma strength. In-air measurements were performed according to the multiple distance method; where a specially designed jig and a 0.6 cm³ Farmer type ionization chamber were used for the measurements. Monte Carlo simulation, in air measurement and GZP6 treatment planning results were compared for primary air kerma strength (as for November 8th 2005).

Results

Monte Carlo calculated and in air measured air kerma strength were respectively equal to 17240.01 μGym² h⁻¹ and 16991.83 μGym² h⁻¹. The value provided by the GZP6 treatment planning system (TPS) was “15355 μGym² h⁻¹”.

Conclusion

The calculated and measured AKS values are in good agreement. Calculated-TPS and measured-TPS AKS values are also in agreement within the uncertainties related to our calculation, measurements and those certified by the GZP6 manufacturer. Considering the uncertainties, the TPS value for AKS is validated by our calculations and measurements, however, it is incorporated with a large uncertainty.     

Strontium metabolism in teeth and enamel dose assessment: analysis of the Techa river data

People living on the banks of the Techa river were exposed to ⁹⁰Sr in the early 1950s. Data obtained by radiochemical measurements of extracted permanent teeth, ⁹⁰Sr autopsy measurements in bone and tooth samples, in vivo measurements of surface beta activity of the anterior teeth and whole-body counter (WBC) measurements of ⁹⁰Sr in the skeleton have been analyzed. Surface beta activity measurements indicate a biological half-life of ⁹⁰Sr of about 35 years in enamel. The WBC measurements have been performed since 1974 and a model for the age-dependent strontium retention in human bone has been used to extrapolate to previous time periods when the other measurement results were obtained. For the first decade after the intake, the ratio of the ⁹⁰Sr concentrations in teeth and bones were found to decrease with age at the time of major intake, from about 10 for 1-year-old children to about 0.3 for adults. There was a considerable variability of individual data within each age group. For adults, the correlation between ⁹⁰Sr in skeleton and teeth was not high at 0.47 according to radiochemical data for posterior teeth (molars and premolars) and 0.43 according to measurements of surface beta activity for anterior teeth. For children and adolescents there was no correlation between individual measurements in the skeleton and teeth. The absorbed dose in enamel due to ⁹⁰Sr in dentine has been calculated by Monte Carlo simulations of the electron transport. The results are in agreement with EPR measurements of the absorbed dose in the enamel of persons exposed, mainly due to ⁹⁰Sr ingestion. Received: 19 July 1999 / Accepted: 5 May 2000     

Study of efficiency in five-field and field-by-field intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan using DOSXYZnrc Monte Carlo code

Implementation of a modern treatment technique, such as IMRT, has been improved. In line with that, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of this technique require the ability of complex beam configurations modelling with respect to the patient. The source 20 DOSXYZnrc with the dynamic and step and shoot technique can be used to simulate the modality. However, they have a different process to obtain the dose distribution in a certain phantom. This study aimed to compare the simulation efficiency and isodose dose distribution in a water phantom from various beam angles and multileaf collimator (MLC) positions in an IMRT plan using source 20. The 30 × 30 × 30 cm³ phantom was irradiated by Varian Clinac iX10MV photon beam with various field sizes from 2 × 2 to 6 × 6 cm² using some beam angles 5°, 30°, 90°, 180°, and 300° and maintaining the source to surface distance (SSD) of 100 cm. The field-by-field and five-field methods were used to obtain the 3-dimensional (3D) dose distribution. The dose distribution of these methods was compared using the gamma index, DVH analysis, and simulation efficiency. Higher efficiency is better because it implies that it takes less time to reach a given uncertainty. The implementation of source 20 has been validated, with similar results, with validated source in DOSXYZnrc. The identical 3D-dimensions dose distributions using source 20 for dynamic and step and shoot were observed. Two simulations used the same number of histories with the statistical uncertainty of less than 3%. The step and shoot technique was more efficient than the dynamic simulation.