Monte Carlo modeling of the Elekta Synergy linear accelerator platform with Agility MLC using TOPASMC for secondary dose calculation

Monte Carlo simulations offer the highest accuracy for calculating dose distributions in radiation therapy (RT). Precise modeling of the Elekta Synergy linear accelerator (LINAC) with Agility multi-leaf collimator (MLC) is essential for accurate dose verification. The 6 MV flattened (FF) and FF-free (FFF) Elekta Synergy LINAC with Agility MLC was modeled using TOPASMC, providing an additional verification tool for patient dose distributions. An initial model was developed based on vendor specifications. The 160-leaf MLC was constructed from a computer-aided design mesh of a single leaf. Proprietary code was created to manage the placement and movement of the field-defining diaphragms. Using measurements of depth doses, dose profiles, and output factors in a water phantom for energies of 6 MV and 6 MV FFF across field sizes from 1 × 1 cm<sup>2</sup>to 36 × 36 cm<sup>2</sup>, we adjusted the incident electron beam energy distribution, flattening filter geometry, jaw and MLC leaf geometry, and leaf-bank rotation. A DICOM interface between the treatment planning system and TOPAS was developed, and patient plans of increasing complexity were calculated using the model. The local gamma index pass rate (1%/1 mm for 1D, 2%/2 mm for 3D) was used to evaluate the agreement between reference and simulation. Over 99% of depth dose points and 92% of dose profile points passed the gamma criterion for all field sizes. The model accurately replicated the leaf-tip and tongue-and-groove effects. Calculated RT plans showed a gamma agreement between 87% and 99%, depending on the delivery technique. The developed model accurately replicates measured dose distributions and can be used to externally validate treatment plans, serving as an additional tool for secondary dose calculations.

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Journal
Physics in Medicine and Biology
Published
2025-06-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6560/ade92c
Primary Topic
Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques
Type
article
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article

Monte Carlo modeling of the Elekta Synergy linear accelerator platform with Agility MLC using TOPASMC for secondary dose calculation

S. A. Schafer, Dirk Vordermark, Michael Schaks, Martin Janich
Physics in Medicine and Biology
Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques
article

Monte Carlo modeling of the Elekta Synergy linear accelerator platform with Agility MLC using TOPASMC for secondary dose calculation

S. A. Schafer, Dirk Vordermark, Michael Schaks, Martin Janich
article en

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations offer the highest accuracy for calculating dose distributions in radiation therapy (RT). Precise modeling of the Elekta Synergy linear accelerator (LINAC) with Agility multi-leaf collimator (MLC) is essential for accurate dose verification. The 6 MV flattened (FF) and FF-free (FFF) Elekta Synergy LINAC with Agility MLC was modeled using TOPASMC, providing an additional verification tool for patient dose distributions. An initial model was developed based on vendor specifications. The 160-leaf MLC was constructed from a computer-aided design mesh of a single leaf. Proprietary code was created to manage the placement and movement of the field-defining diaphragms. Using measurements of depth doses, dose profiles, and output factors in a water phantom for energies of 6 MV and 6 MV FFF across field sizes from 1 × 1 cm<sup>2</sup>to 36 × 36 cm<sup>2</sup>, we adjusted the incident electron beam energy distribution, flattening filter geometry, jaw and MLC leaf geometry, and leaf-bank rotation. A DICOM interface between the treatment planning system and TOPAS was developed, and patient plans of increasing complexity were calculated using the model. The local gamma index pass rate (1%/1 mm for 1D, 2%/2 mm for 3D) was used to evaluate the agreement between reference and simulation. Over 99% of depth dose points and 92% of dose profile points passed the gamma criterion for all field sizes. The model accurately replicated the leaf-tip and tongue-and-groove effects. Calculated RT plans showed a gamma agreement between 87% and 99%, depending on the delivery technique. The developed model accurately replicates measured dose distributions and can be used to externally validate treatment plans, serving as an additional tool for secondary dose calculations.

Physics in Medicine and BiologyVol. 70(14)
Universitätsklinik für Strahlentherapie (DE), University Hospital in Halle (DE)
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 79%
Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques
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