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MO-DE-204-04: Dose Optimization in CT: Trends and Motivation in the US

The main topic of the session is to show how dose optimization is being implemented in various regions of the world, including Europe, Australia, North America and other regions. A multi-national study conducted under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) across more than 50 less resourced countries gave insight into patient radiation doses and safety practices in CT, mammography, radiography and interventional procedures, both for children and adults. An important outcome was the capability development on dose assessment and management. An overview of recent European projects related to CT radiation dose and optimization both to adults and children will be presented. Existing data on DRLs together with a European methodology proposed on establishing and using DRLs for paediatric radiodiagnostic imaging and interventional radiology practices will be shown. Compared with much of Europe at least, many Australian imaging practices are relatively new to the task of diagnostic imaging dose optimisation. In 2008 the Australian Government prescribed a requirement to periodically compare patient radiation doses with diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), where DRLs have been established. Until recently, Australia had only established DRLs for computed tomography (CT). Regardless, both professional society and individual efforts to improved data collection and develop optimisation strategies across a range of modalities continues. Progress in this field, principally with respect to CT and interventional fluoroscopy will be presented. In the US, dose reduction and optimization efforts for computed tomography have been promoted and mandated by several organizations and accrediting entities. This presentation will cover the general motivation, implementation, and implications of such efforts. Learning Objectives: Understand importance of the dose optimization in Diagnostic Radiology. See how this goal is achieved in different regions of the World. Learn about the global trend in the dose optimization and future prospectives. M. Rehani, The work was a part of the work of IAEA where I was an employee and IAEA is a United Nations organization.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

MO-DE-204-00: International Symposium: Patient Dose Reduction in Diagnostic Radiology

The main topic of the session is to show how dose optimization is being implemented in various regions of the world, including Europe, Australia, North America and other regions. A multi-national study conducted under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) across more than 50 less resourced countries gave insight into patient radiation doses and safety practices in CT, mammography, radiography and interventional procedures, both for children and adults. An important outcome was the capability development on dose assessment and management. An overview of recent European projects related to CT radiation dose and optimization both to adults and children will be presented. Existing data on DRLs together with a European methodology proposed on establishing and using DRLs for paediatric radiodiagnostic imaging and interventional radiology practices will be shown. Compared with much of Europe at least, many Australian imaging practices are relatively new to the task of diagnostic imaging dose optimisation. In 2008 the Australian Government prescribed a requirement to periodically compare patient radiation doses with diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), where DRLs have been established. Until recently, Australia had only established DRLs for computed tomography (CT). Regardless, both professional society and individual efforts to improved data collection and develop optimisation strategies across a range of modalities continues. Progress in this field, principally with respect to CT and interventional fluoroscopy will be presented. In the US, dose reduction and optimization efforts for computed tomography have been promoted and mandated by several organizations and accrediting entities. This presentation will cover the general motivation, implementation, and implications of such efforts. Learning Objectives: Understand importance of the dose optimization in Diagnostic Radiology. See how this goal is achieved in different regions of the World. Learn about the global trend in the dose optimization and future prospectives. M. Rehani, The work was a part of the work of IAEA where I was an employee and IAEA is a United Nations organization.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

MO-DE-204-01: Radiation Doses in Over 50 Developing Countries of Asia, Africa, Eastern European and Latin America

The main topic of the session is to show how dose optimization is being implemented in various regions of the world, including Europe, Australia, North America and other regions. A multi-national study conducted under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) across more than 50 less resourced countries gave insight into patient radiation doses and safety practices in CT, mammography, radiography and interventional procedures, both for children and adults. An important outcome was the capability development on dose assessment and management. An overview of recent European projects related to CT radiation dose and optimization both to adults and children will be presented. Existing data on DRLs together with a European methodology proposed on establishing and using DRLs for paediatric radiodiagnostic imaging and interventional radiology practices will be shown. Compared with much of Europe at least, many Australian imaging practices are relatively new to the task of diagnostic imaging dose optimisation. In 2008 the Australian Government prescribed a requirement to periodically compare patient radiation doses with diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), where DRLs have been established. Until recently, Australia had only established DRLs for computed tomography (CT). Regardless, both professional society and individual efforts to improved data collection and develop optimisation strategies across a range of modalities continues. Progress in this field, principally with respect to CT and interventional fluoroscopy will be presented. In the US, dose reduction and optimization efforts for computed tomography have been promoted and mandated by several organizations and accrediting entities. This presentation will cover the general motivation, implementation, and implications of such efforts. Learning Objectives: Understand importance of the dose optimization in Diagnostic Radiology. See how this goal is achieved in different regions of the World. Learn about the global trend in the dose optimization and future prospectives. M. Rehani, The work was a part of the work of IAEA where I was an employee and IAEA is a United Nations organization.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

WE-DE-201-07: Measurement of Real-Time Dose for Tandem and Ovoid Brachytherapy Procedures Using a High Precision Optical Fiber Radiation Detector

Purpose: Development of a novel on-line dosimetry tool is needed to move toward patient-specific quality assurance measurements for Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy to verify accurate dose delivery to the intended location. This work describes the development and use of a nano-crystalline yttrium oxide inorganic scintillator based optical-fiber detector capable of acquiring real-time high-precision dose measurements during tandem and ovoid (T&O) gynecological (GYN) applicator Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy procedures. Methods: An optical-fiber detector was calibrated by acquiring light output measurements in liquid water at 3, 5, 7, and 9cm radial source-detector-distances from an Ir-192 HDR source. A regression model was fit to the data to describe the relative light output per unit dose (TG-43 derived) as a function of source-detector-distance. Next, the optical-fiber detector was attached to a vaginal balloon fixed to a Varian Fletcher-Suit-Delclos-style applicator (to mimic clinical setup), and localized by acquiring high-resolution computed tomography (CT) images. To compare the physical point dose to the TPS calculated values (TG-43 and Acuros-BV), a phantom measurement was performed, by submerging the T&O applicator in a liquid water bath and delivering a treatment template representative of a clinical T&O procedure. The fiber detector collected scintillation signal as a function of time, and the calibration data was applied to calculate both real-time dose rate, and cumulative dose. Results: Fiber cumulative dose values were 100.0cGy, 94.3cGy, and 348.9cGy from the tandem, left ovoid, and right ovoid dwells, respectively (total of 443.2cGy). A plot of real time dose rate during the treatment was also acquired. The TPS values at the fiber location were 458.4cGy using TG-43, and 437.6cGy using Acuros-BV calculated as Dm,m (per TG-186). Conclusion: The fiber measured dose value agreement was 3% vs TG-43 and −1% vs Acuros-BV. This fiber detector opens up new possibilities for performing patient-specific quality assurance for Ir-192 HDR GYN procedures. Funding from Coulter Foundation, Duke Bio-medical Engineering. Company is being created around the detector technology. Duke holds patents on the technology.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-AB-201-01: A Feasibility Study of Independent Dose Verification for CyberKnife

Purpose: CyberKnife irradiation is composed of tiny-size, multiple and intensity-modulated beams compared to conventional linacs. Few of the publications for Independent dose calculation verification for CyberKnife have been reported. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of independent dose verification for CyberKnife treatment as Secondary check. Methods: The followings were measured: test plans using some static and single beams, clinical plans in a phantom and using patient’s CT. 75 patient plans were collected from several treatment sites of brain, lung, liver and bone. In the test plans and the phantom plans, a pinpoint ion-chamber measurement was performed to assess dose deviation for a treatment planning system (TPS) and an independent verification program of Simple MU Analysis (SMU). In the clinical plans, dose deviation between the SMU and the TPS was performed. Results: In test plan, the dose deviations were 3.3±4.5%, and 4.1±4.4% for the TPS and the SMU, respectively. In the phantom measurements for the clinical plans, the dose deviations were −0.2±3.6% for the TPS and −2.3±4.8% for the SMU. In the clinical plans using the patient’s CT, the dose deviations were −3.0±2.1% (Mean±1SD). The systematic difference was partially derived from inverse square law and penumbra calculation. Conclusion: The independent dose calculation for CyberKnife shows −3.0±4.2% (Mean±2SD) and our study, the confidence limit was achieved within 5% of the tolerance level from AAPM task group 114 for non-IMRT treatment. Thus, it may be feasible to use independent dose calculation verification for CyberKnife treatment as the secondary check. This research is partially supported by Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-CD-BRA-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (THERAPY): -Field-Induced Dose Effects in a Mouse Lung Phantom: Monte Carlo and Experimental Assessments

Purpose: To simulate and measure magnetic-field-induced radiation dose effects in a mouse lung phantom. This data will be used to support pre-clinical experiments related to MRI-guided radiation therapy systems. Methods: A mouse lung phantom was constructed out of 1.5×1.5×2.0-cm{sup 3} lung-equivalent material (0.3 g/cm{sup 3}) surrounded by a 0.6-cm solid water shell. EBT3 film was inserted into the phantom and the phantom was placed between the poles of an H-frame electromagnet. The phantom was irradiated with a cobalt-60 beam (1.25 MeV) with the electromagnet set to various magnetic field strengths (0T, 0.35T, 0.9T, and 1.5T). These magnetic field strengths correspond to the range of field strengths seen in MRI-guided radiation therapy systems. Dose increases at the solid-water-to-lung-interface and dose decreases at the lung-to-solid-water interface were compared with results of Monte Carlo simulations performed with MCNP6. Results: The measured dose to lung at the solid-water-to-lung interface increased by 0%, 16%, and 29% with application of the 0.35T, 0.9T, and 1.5T magnetic fields, respectively. The dose to lung at the lung-to-solid-water interface decreased by 4%, 18%, and 24% with application of the 0.35T, 0.9T, and 1.5T magnetic fields, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations showed dose increases of 0%, 16%, and 31% and dose decreases of 4%, 16%, and 25%. Conclusion: Only small dose perturbations were observed at the lung-solid-water interfaces for the 0.35T case, while more substantial dose perturbations were observed for the 0.9T and 1.5T cases. There is good agreement between the Monte Carlo calculations and the experimental measurements (within 2%). These measurements will aid in designing pre-clinical studies which investigate the potential biological effects of radiation therapy in the presence of a strong magnetic field. This work was partially funded by Elekta.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-CD-202-08: Feasibility Study of Planning Phase Optimization Using Patient Geometry-Driven Information for Better Dose Sparing of Organ at Risks

Purpose: To propose a simple and effective cost value function to search optimal planning phase (gating window) and demonstrated its feasibility for respiratory correlated radiation therapy. Methods: We acquired 4DCT of 10 phases for 10 lung patients who have tumor located near OARs such as esophagus, heart, and spinal cord (i.e., central lung cancer patients). A simplified mathematical optimization function was established by using overlap volume histogram (OVH) between the target and organ at risk (OAR) at each phase and the tolerance dose of selected OARs to achieve surrounding OARs dose-sparing. For all patients and all phases, delineation of the target volume and selected OARs (esophagus, heart, and spinal cord) was performed (by one observer to avoid inter-observer variation), then cost values were calculated for all phases. After the breathing phases were ranked according to cost value function, the relationship between score and dose distribution at highest and lowest cost value phases were evaluated by comparing the mean/max dose. Results: A simplified mathematical cost value function showed noticeable difference from phase to phase, implying it is possible to find optimal phases for gating window. The lowest cost value which may result in lower mean/max dose to OARs was distributed at various phases for all patients. The mean doses of the OARs significantly decreased about 10% with statistical significance for all 3 OARs at the phase with the lowest cost value. Also, the max doses of the OARs were decreased about 2∼5% at the phase with the lowest cost value compared to the phase with the highest cost value. Conclusion: It is demonstrated that optimal phases (in dose distribution perspective) for gating window could exist differently through each patient and the proposed cost value function can be a useful tool for determining such phases without performing dose optimization calculations. This research was supported by the Mid-career Researcher Program through NRF funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning of Korea (NRF-2014R1A2A1A10050270) and by the Radiation Technology R&D program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No. 2013M2A2A7038291)

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-E-209-00: Radiation Dose Monitoring and Protocol Management

Radiation dose monitoring solutions have opened up new opportunities for medical physicists to be more involved in modern clinical radiology practices. In particular, with the help of comprehensive radiation dose data, data-driven protocol management and informed case follow up are now feasible. Significant challenges remain however and the problems faced by medical physicists are highly heterogeneous. Imaging systems from multiple vendors and a wide range of vintages co-exist in the same department and employ data communication protocols that are not fully standardized or implemented making harmonization complex. Many different solutions for radiation dose monitoring have been implemented by imaging facilities over the past few years. Such systems are based on commercial software, home-grown IT solutions, manual PACS data dumping, etc., and diverse pathways can be used to bring the data to impact clinical practice. The speakers will share their experiences with creating or tailoring radiation dose monitoring/management systems and procedures over the past few years, which vary significantly in design and scope. Topics to cover: (1) fluoroscopic dose monitoring and high radiation event handling from a large academic hospital; (2) dose monitoring and protocol optimization in pediatric radiology; and (3) development of a home-grown IT solution and dose data analysis framework. Learning Objectives: Describe the scope and range of radiation dose monitoring and protocol management in a modern radiology practice Review examples of data available from a variety of systems and how it managed and conveyed. Reflect on the role of the physicist in radiation dose awareness.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-E-209-01: Fluoroscopic Dose Monitoring and Patient Follow-Up Program at Massachusetts General Hospital

Radiation dose monitoring solutions have opened up new opportunities for medical physicists to be more involved in modern clinical radiology practices. In particular, with the help of comprehensive radiation dose data, data-driven protocol management and informed case follow up are now feasible. Significant challenges remain however and the problems faced by medical physicists are highly heterogeneous. Imaging systems from multiple vendors and a wide range of vintages co-exist in the same department and employ data communication protocols that are not fully standardized or implemented making harmonization complex. Many different solutions for radiation dose monitoring have been implemented by imaging facilities over the past few years. Such systems are based on commercial software, home-grown IT solutions, manual PACS data dumping, etc., and diverse pathways can be used to bring the data to impact clinical practice. The speakers will share their experiences with creating or tailoring radiation dose monitoring/management systems and procedures over the past few years, which vary significantly in design and scope. Topics to cover: (1) fluoroscopic dose monitoring and high radiation event handling from a large academic hospital; (2) dose monitoring and protocol optimization in pediatric radiology; and (3) development of a home-grown IT solution and dose data analysis framework. Learning Objectives: Describe the scope and range of radiation dose monitoring and protocol management in a modern radiology practice Review examples of data available from a variety of systems and how it managed and conveyed. Reflect on the role of the physicist in radiation dose awareness.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-E-209-02: Dose Monitoring and Protocol Optimization: The Pediatric Perspective

Radiation dose monitoring solutions have opened up new opportunities for medical physicists to be more involved in modern clinical radiology practices. In particular, with the help of comprehensive radiation dose data, data-driven protocol management and informed case follow up are now feasible. Significant challenges remain however and the problems faced by medical physicists are highly heterogeneous. Imaging systems from multiple vendors and a wide range of vintages co-exist in the same department and employ data communication protocols that are not fully standardized or implemented making harmonization complex. Many different solutions for radiation dose monitoring have been implemented by imaging facilities over the past few years. Such systems are based on commercial software, home-grown IT solutions, manual PACS data dumping, etc., and diverse pathways can be used to bring the data to impact clinical practice. The speakers will share their experiences with creating or tailoring radiation dose monitoring/management systems and procedures over the past few years, which vary significantly in design and scope. Topics to cover: (1) fluoroscopic dose monitoring and high radiation event handling from a large academic hospital; (2) dose monitoring and protocol optimization in pediatric radiology; and (3) development of a home-grown IT solution and dose data analysis framework. Learning Objectives: Describe the scope and range of radiation dose monitoring and protocol management in a modern radiology practice Review examples of data available from a variety of systems and how it managed and conveyed. Reflect on the role of the physicist in radiation dose awareness.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

TH-E-209-03: Development of An In-House CT Dose Monitoring and Management System Based On Open-Source Software Resources -- Pearls and Pitfalls

Radiation dose monitoring solutions have opened up new opportunities for medical physicists to be more involved in modern clinical radiology practices. In particular, with the help of comprehensive radiation dose data, data-driven protocol management and informed case follow up are now feasible. Significant challenges remain however and the problems faced by medical physicists are highly heterogeneous. Imaging systems from multiple vendors and a wide range of vintages co-exist in the same department and employ data communication protocols that are not fully standardized or implemented making harmonization complex. Many different solutions for radiation dose monitoring have been implemented by imaging facilities over the past few years. Such systems are based on commercial software, home-grown IT solutions, manual PACS data dumping, etc., and diverse pathways can be used to bring the data to impact clinical practice. The speakers will share their experiences with creating or tailoring radiation dose monitoring/management systems and procedures over the past few years, which vary significantly in design and scope. Topics to cover: (1) fluoroscopic dose monitoring and high radiation event handling from a large academic hospital; (2) dose monitoring and protocol optimization in pediatric radiology; and (3) development of a home-grown IT solution and dose data analysis framework. Learning Objectives: Describe the scope and range of radiation dose monitoring and protocol management in a modern radiology practice Review examples of data available from a variety of systems and how it managed and conveyed. Reflect on the role of the physicist in radiation dose awareness.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Approaches to reducing photon dose calculation errors near metal implants

Purpose: Dose calculation errors near metal implants are caused by limitations of the dose calculation algorithm in modeling tissue/metal interface effects as well as density assignment errors caused by imaging artifacts. The purpose of this study was to investigate two strategies for reducing dose calculation errors near metal implants: implementation of metal-based energy deposition kernels in the convolution/superposition (C/S) dose calculation method and use of metal artifact reduction methods for computed tomography (CT) imaging. Methods: Both error reduction strategies were investigated using a simple geometric slab phantom with a rectangular metal insert (composed of titanium or Cerrobend), as well as two anthropomorphic phantoms (one with spinal hardware and one with dental fillings), designed to mimic relevant clinical scenarios. To assess the dosimetric impact of metal kernels, the authors implemented titanium and silver kernels in a commercial collapsed cone C/S algorithm. To assess the impact of CT metal artifact reduction methods, the authors performed dose calculations using baseline imaging techniques (uncorrected 120 kVp imaging) and three commercial metal artifact reduction methods: Philips Healthcare’s O-MAR, GE Healthcare’s monochromatic gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) using dual-energy CT, and GSI with metal artifact reduction software (MARS) applied. For the simple geometric phantom, radiochromic film was used to measure dose upstream and downstream of metal inserts. For the anthropomorphic phantoms, ion chambers and radiochromic film were used to quantify the benefit of the error reduction strategies. Results: Metal kernels did not universally improve accuracy but rather resulted in better accuracy upstream of metal implants and decreased accuracy directly downstream. For the clinical cases (spinal hardware and dental fillings), metal kernels had very little impact on the dose calculation accuracy (<1.0%). Of the commercial CT artifact reduction methods investigated, the authors found that O-MAR was the most consistent method, resulting in either improved dose calculation accuracy (dental case) or little impact on calculation accuracy (spine case). GSI was unsuccessful at reducing the severe artifacts caused by dental fillings and had very little impact on calculation accuracy. GSI with MARS on the other hand gave mixed results, sometimes introducing metal distortion and increasing calculation errors (titanium rectangular implant and titanium spinal hardware) but other times very successfully reducing artifacts (Cerrobend rectangular implant and dental fillings). Conclusions: Though successful at improving dose calculation accuracy upstream of metal implants, metal kernels were not found to substantially improve accuracy for clinical cases. Of the commercial artifact reduction methods investigated, O-MAR was found to be the most consistent candidate for all-purpose CT simulation imaging. The MARS algorithm for GSI should be used with caution for titanium implants, larger implants, and implants located near heterogeneities as it can distort the size and shape of implants and increase calculation errors.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Low dose radiation risks for women surviving the a-bombs in Japan: generalized additive model

Background: Analyses of cancer mortality and incidence in Japanese A-bomb survivors have been used to estimate radiation risks, which are generally higher for women. Relative Risk (RR) is usually modelled as a linear function of dose. Extrapolation from data including high doses predicts small risks at low doses. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) are flexible methods for modelling non-linear behaviour. Methods: GAMs are applied to cancer incidence in female low dose subcohorts, using anonymous public data for the 1958 – 1998 Life Span Study, to test for linearity, explore interactions, adjust for the skewed dose distribution, examine significance below 100 mGy, and estimate risks at 10 mGy. Results: For all solid cancer incidence, RR estimated from 0 – 100 mGy and 0 – 20 mGy subcohorts is significantly raised. The response tapers above 150 mGy. At low doses, RR increases with age-at-exposure and decreases with time-since-exposure, the preferred covariate. Using the empirical cumulative distribution of dose improves model fit, and capacity to detect non-linear responses. RR is elevated over wide ranges of covariate values. Results are stable under simulation, or when removing exceptional data cells, or adjusting neutron RBE. Estimates of Excess RR at 10 mGy using the cumulative dose distribution are 10 – 45 times higher than extrapolations from a linear model fitted to the full cohort. Below 100 mGy, quasipoisson models find significant effects for all solid, squamous, uterus, corpus, and thyroid cancers, and for respiratory cancers when age-at-exposure > 35 yrs. Results for the thyroid are compatible with studies of children treated for tinea capitis, and Chernobyl survivors. Results for the uterus are compatible with studies of UK nuclear workers and the Techa River cohort. Conclusion: Non-linear models find large, significant cancer risks for Japanese women exposed to low dose radiation from the atomic bombings. The risks should be reflected in protection standards.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Low Dose Radiation-Induced Epigenetic Changes in an Animal Model (Final Report)

This project sought mechanistic understanding of the epigenetic response of tissues as well as the consequences of those responses, when induced by low dose irradiation in a well-established model system (mouse). Based on solid and extensive preliminary data we investigated the molecular epigenetic mechanisms of in vivo radiation responses, particularly – effects of low, occupationally relevant radiation exposures on the genome stability and adaptive response in mammalian tissues and organisms. We accumulated evidence that low dose irradiation altered epigenetic profiles and impacted radiation target organs of the exposed animals. The main long-term goal was to dissect the epigenetic basis of induction of the low dose radiation-induced genome instability and adaptive response and the specific fundamental roles of epigenetic changes (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNAs) in their generation. We hypothesized that changes in global and regional DNA methylation, global histone modifications and regulatory microRNAs played pivotal roles in the generation and maintenance low-dose radiation-induced genome instability and adaptive response. We predicted that epigenetic changes influenced the levels of genetic rearrangements (transposone reactivation). We hypothesized that epigenetic responses from low dose irradiation were dependent on exposure regimes, and would be greatest when organisms are exposed in a protracted/fractionated manner: fractionated exposures > acute exposures. We anticipated that the epigenetic responses were correlated with the gene expression levels. Our immediate objectives were: • To investigate the exact nature of the global and locus-specific DNA methylation changes in the LDR exposed cells and tissues and dissect their roles in adaptive response • To investigate the roles of histone modifications in the low dose radiation effects and adaptive response • To dissect the roles of regulatory microRNAs and their targets in low dose radiation effects and adaptive response • To correlate the levels of epigenetic changes with genetic rearrangement levels and gene expression patterns. In sum, we determined the precise global and locus-specific DNA methylation patterns in the LDR-exposed cells and tissues of mice, and to correlated DNA methylation changes with the gene expression patterns and manifestations of genome instability. We also determined the alterations of global histone modification pattern in the LDR exposed tissues. Additionally, we established the nature of microRNAome changes in the LDR exposed tissue. In this study we for the first time found that LDR exposure caused profound tissue-specific epigenetic changes in the exposed tissues. We established that LDR exposure affect methylation of repetitive elements in the murine genome, causes changes in histone methylation, acetylation and phosphorylation. Importantly, we found that LDR causes profound and persistent effects on small RNA profiles and gene expression, and that miRNAs are excellent biomarkers of LDR exposure. Furthermore, we extended our analysis and studied LDR effects in rat tissues and human tissues and cell lines. There we also analyzed LDR-induced gene expression, DNA methylation and miRNA changes. Our datasets laid foundation for several new research projects aimed to understand molecular underpinnings of low dose radiation responses, and biological repercussions of low dose radiation effects and radiation carcinogenesis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Estimates of Internal Dose Resulting from I-131 Patients in Hotels - Paper 147

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 8.39 provides the following estimate to the maximum internal committed effective dose, CED{sub i}, to an individual from a released patient having received radionuclide therapy: CED{sub i} = 10{sup -5} Q{sub adm} DCF where Q{sub adm} = activity administered to the patient (Bq), DCF = ingestion dose coefficient (Sv/Bq). Since many released patients stay in a hotel for a day or two after administration of the I-131, an effort was made to provide reasonable estimates of internal committed effective dose to a housekeeper at a hotel. Reasonable exposure scenarios are presented herein with the resulting doses. The value 10{sup -6} from a health physics 'rule of thumb' for intake in workplace environments, and explored by Brodsky, was multiplied by a factor of 10 to account for the most highly exposed individual and to add a degree of conservatism to the evaluation. The ingestion dose coefficient was used since it was felt that the maximum internal intake would either be via the skin or mouth. The scenarios investigated to date and presented herein show rather low potential doses of hotel housekeepers due to internal contamination. The internal doses are conservative since they assume the immediate release and placement of the patient in the hotel or household. The existing Reg. Guide 8.39 internal dose estimate appears to be very conservative and are very low in comparison to external gamma ray dose due to released patients. (authors)

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Quantifying the Combined Effect of Radiation Therapy and Hyperthermia in Terms of Equivalent Dose Distributions

Purpose: To develop a method to quantify the therapeutic effect of radiosensitization by hyperthermia; to this end, a numerical method was proposed to convert radiation therapy dose distributions with hyperthermia to equivalent dose distributions without hyperthermia. Methods and Materials: Clinical intensity modulated radiation therapy plans were created for 15 prostate cancer cases. To simulate a clinically relevant heterogeneous temperature distribution, hyperthermia treatment planning was performed for heating with the AMC-8 system. The temperature-dependent parameters α (Gy{sup −1}) and β (Gy{sup −2}) of the linear–quadratic model for prostate cancer were estimated from the literature. No thermal enhancement was assumed for normal tissue. The intensity modulated radiation therapy plans and temperature distributions were exported to our in-house-developed radiation therapy treatment planning system, APlan, and equivalent dose distributions without hyperthermia were calculated voxel by voxel using the linear–quadratic model. Results: The planned average tumor temperatures T90, T50, and T10 in the planning target volume were 40.5°C, 41.6°C, and 42.4°C, respectively. The planned minimum, mean, and maximum radiation therapy doses were 62.9 Gy, 76.0 Gy, and 81.0 Gy, respectively. Adding hyperthermia yielded an equivalent dose distribution with an extended 95% isodose level. The equivalent minimum, mean, and maximum doses reflecting the radiosensitization by hyperthermia were 70.3 Gy, 86.3 Gy, and 93.6 Gy, respectively, for a linear increase of α with temperature. This can be considered similar to a dose escalation with a substantial increase in tumor control probability for high-risk prostate carcinoma. Conclusion: A model to quantify the effect of combined radiation therapy and hyperthermia in terms of equivalent dose distributions was presented. This model is particularly instructive to estimate the potential effects of interaction from different treatment modalities.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Study of dose calculation on breast brachytherapy using prism TPS

PRISM is one of non-commercial Treatment Planning System (TPS) and is developed at the University of Washington. In Indonesia, many cancer hospitals use expensive commercial TPS. This study aims to investigate Prism TPS which been applied to the dose distribution of brachytherapy by taking into account the effect of source position and inhomogeneities. The results will be applicable for clinical Treatment Planning System. Dose calculation has been implemented for water phantom and CT scan images of breast cancer using point source and line source. This study used point source and line source and divided into two cases. On the first case, Ir-192 seed source is located at the center of treatment volume. On the second case, the source position is gradually changed. The dose calculation of every case performed on a homogeneous and inhomogeneous phantom with dimension 20 × 20 × 20 cm{sup 3}. The inhomogeneous phantom has inhomogeneities volume 2 × 2 × 2 cm{sup 3}. The results of dose calculations using PRISM TPS were compared to literature data. From the calculation of PRISM TPS, dose rates show good agreement with Plato TPS and other study as published by Ramdhani. No deviations greater than ±4% for all case. Dose calculation in inhomogeneous and homogenous cases show similar result. This results indicate that Prism TPS is good in dose calculation of brachytherapy but not sensitive for inhomogeneities. Thus, the dose calculation parameters developed in this study were found to be applicable for clinical treatment planning of brachytherapy.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

TU-F-CAMPUS-J-05: Fast Volumetric MRI On An MRI-Linac Enables On-Line QA On Dose Deposition in the Patient

Purpose: The introduction of the MRI-linac in radiotherapy brings MRI-guided treatment with daily plan adaptions within reach. This paradigm demands on-line QA. With its ability to perform continuous volumetric imaging in an outstanding soft-tissue contrast, the MRI- linac promises to elucidate the dose deposition process during a treatment session. Here we study for a prostate case how dynamic MRI combined with linac machine parameters and a fast dose-engine can be used for on-line dose accumulation. Methods: Prostate imaging was performed in healthy volunteer on a 1.5T MR-scanner (Philips, Best, NL) according to a clinical MR-sim protocol, followed by 10min of dynamic imaging (FLASH, 4s/volume, FOV 40×40×12cm{sup 3}, voxels 3×3×3mm{sup 3}, TR/TE/α=3.5ms/1.7ms/5°). An experienced radiation oncologist made delineations, considering the prostate CTV. Planning was performed on a two-compartment pseudoCT (air/water density) according to clinical constraints (77Gy in PTV) using a Monte-Carlo (MC) based TPS that accounts for magnetic fields. Delivery of one fraction (2.2Gy) was simulated on an emulator for the Axesse linac (Elekta, Stockholm, SE). Machine parameters (MLC settings, gantry angle, dose rate, etc.) were recorded at 25Hz. These were re-grouped per dynamic volume and fed into the MC-engine to calculate a dose delivered for each of the dynamics. Deformations derived from non-rigid registration of each dynamic against the first allowed dose accumulation on a common reference grid. Results: The DVH parameters on the PTV compared to the optimized plan showed little changes. Local deformations however resulted in local deviations, primarily around the air/rectum interface. This clearly indicates the potential of intra-fraction adaptations based on the accumulated dose. Application in each fraction helps to track the influence of plan adaptations to the eventual dose distribution. Calculation times were about twice the delivery time. Conclusion: The current Result paves the way to perform on-line treatment delivery QA on the MRI-linac in the near future.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗