JRSBRT 5.2, p. 157-167

A comparison of the convolution and TMR10 treatment planning algorithms for Gamma knife® radiosurgery
Peter Fallows, Gavin Wright, Natalie Harrold and Peter Bownes

Aims: To compare the accuracies of the convolution and TMR10 Gamma Knife treatment planning algorithms, and assess the impact upon clinical practice of implementing convolution-based treatment planning.

Methods: Doses calculated by both algorithms were compared against ionisation chamber measurements in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms. Relative dose distributions calculated by both algorithms were compared against film-derived 2D isodose plots in a heterogeneous phantom, with distance-to-agreement (DTA) measured at the 80%, 50% and 20% isodose levels. A retrospective planning study compared 19 clinically acceptable metastasis convolution plans against TMR10 plans with matched shot times, allowing novel comparison of true dosimetric parameters rather than total beam-on-time. Gamma analysis and dose-difference analysis were performed on each pair of dose distributions.

Results: Both algorithms matched point dose measurement within ±1.1% in homogeneous conditions. Convolution provided superior point-dose accuracy in the heterogeneous phantom (-1.1% v 4.0%), with no discernible differences in relative dose distribution accuracy. In our study convolution-calculated plans yielded D99% 6.4% (95% CI:5.5%-7.3%,p<0.001) less than shot matched TMR10 plans. For gamma passing criteria 1%/1mm, 16% of targets had passing rates >95%. The range of dose differences in the targets was 0.2-4.6Gy.

Conclusions: Convolution provides superior accuracy versus TMR10 in heterogeneous conditions. Implementing convolution would result in increased target doses therefore its implementation may require a revaluation of prescription doses.

Keywords: Gamma Knife, convolution, TMR10, stereotactic radiosurgery, treatment planning.

After payment has been processed for your order of a digital copy (PDF) of this article, you will see a download link on your completed order page and also receive an email containing a download link. The links, which will enable you to download one copy of the article, will expire after 24 hours.