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J Van Dyk

Publications and source records attributed to J Van Dyk.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Refinements of the finite-size pencil beam model of three-dimensional photon dose calculation.

Modern three-dimensional (3-D) photon dose calculation algorithms need to be fast and accurate if they are to be practical for treatment optimization. Refinements to a previously proposed finite-size pencil beam (FSPB) method are presented in order to fulfill these needs. Specifically, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) convolution technique is used to speed calculation of the FSPB; the fluence spectrum is modeled, and the effects of finite source size, a Gaussian x-ray source intensity profile and partial transmission through a multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf are approximated. The use of FFT techniques in the calculation of small diverging fields involves approximations that are investigated for a 6 MV beam and shown to introduce errors that vary with energy but do not exceed 0.7% on the central axis. Dose distributions calculated by FSPB superposition are in excellent agreement with those calculated by full field FFT convolution. Two key advances over the original implementation of the FSPB model are demonstrated: the fast calculation of the FSPB facilitates development, and the incorporation of realistic beam parameters enables accurate modeling of clinical beams.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1996

Theoretical developments on fast Fourier transform convolution dose calculations in inhomogeneous media.

A theory is presented on dose calculations in inhomogeneous media that takes advantage of fast Fourier transform (FFT) convolution for practical three-dimensional treatment planning using photon beams. While the initial work of Boyer and Mok [Med. Phys. 13, 503-509 (1986)] provided a theory which is based on first principles, it failed to give satisfactory predictions inside inhomogeneities. Subsequently, Zhu and Boyer [Phys. Med. Biol. 35, 351-368 (1990)] showed that their formulas agreed well with measured data, but these formulas were empirically altered from Boyer and Mok's. In this work, Boyer and Mok's first-order theory is extended to include second-order inhomogeneity effects. A new correction dose formula is derived which corrects the first scattered dose due to the presence of inhomogeneities. This correction dose formula works better than Zhu and Boyer's empirical correction dose formula. Furthermore, the primary dose formula used by Zhu and Boyer, which was empirically modified from Boyer and Mok's, is justified theoretically. Clear statements are made about the assumptions and the approximations that enter into the derivation which in turn uncover the limitations of this FFT convolution dose calculation.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed1995

Accuracy requirements of the primary x-ray spectrum in dose calculations using FFT convolution techniques.

The photon beam dose calculation methods using fast Fourier transform (FFT) convolution require that the primary beam energy spectrum is accurately known; however, a quantitative assessment of the required accuracy is not yet provided. In this study, the sensitivity of various parameters such as central axis depth dose and dose under attenuators to the incident photon spectrum was simulated and evaluated for 6- and 18-MV photon beams. The central axis depth-dose data using the modified spectrum were compared with those calculated using the original spectrum. Maximum errors on the central axis between these two sets of depth-dose data were found by changing the weighting of each energy bin of the primary spectrum. The maximum change in percent depth dose is proportional to the change in average incident energy relating to the quality of the x ray. To keep the maximum depth-dose error to less than 1%, the relative change in average energy brought about by changes in single spectral bins should be less than 2%. The accuracy required for each energy bin varies dramatically, dependent on its deviation from the original average energy and its relative weighting. For example, for the 6-MV x-ray spectrum, the energy bins centered around 0.76 MeV (first bin) and 6.8 MeV (fifth bin) need to have accuracies of 5% and 40%, respectively, to obtain a 1% accuracy in percent depth dose.

Fourier Analysis↗
PubMed1995

Portal dosimetry using a liquid ion chamber matrix: dose response studies.

Current intensive investigations of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) have prompted their potential application to portal dosimetry. In this paper, the progress made in using a commercial liquid ion chamber matrix EPID for portal dosimetry is discussed. The pixel value of the liquid ion chamber element was calibrated against dose by exposing the imager to 6-MV x-ray beams of various intensities obtained with various thicknesses of lead attenuators and a range of source to detector distances. Absolute dose values were determined using an ion chamber on the central axis at the depth of maximum dose in a solid water phantom. The pixel values of the matrix were determined for various field sizes in order to evaluate the dependence of pixel value on dose at those field sizes. It was confirmed that the pixel value was proportional to the square root of the dose rate and was nearly independent of the field size. The 2D pixel values were converted to 2D dose maps in the water phantom after applying a correction for the effect of horns in the flood calibration field. The flood calibration field was used to obtain the relative sensitivity of each pixel. Good agreement was observed (normally better than 1% in relative standard deviation) between the converted dose distribution obtained from the pixel matrix and the direct dose measurement using an ion chamber scanned in a water phantom in regions of shallow dose gradient. For application to on-line portal dosimetry, both the short- and long-term stability of this EPID system were found to be within 1% relative standard deviation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed1995

Effects of scatter generated by beam-modifying absorbers in megavoltage photon beams.

Transmission through a beam-modifying absorber consists of attenuated primary beam and scattered radiation generated by the absorber. The primary component of the transmitted beam is characterized by the narrow beam attenuation coefficient which depends upon the energy of the beam and type of the absorber. In addition to beam energy and absorber material, the scatter component also depends on field size, thickness and shape of the absorber, location of the absorber with respect to the source, and the point of calculation. Based upon Compton first-scatter, a method has been developed to calculate effective broad beam transmission through any arbitrarily shaped absorber with variable thickness for any points on and off the central axis. The method requires predetermined narrow beam attenuation coefficients as a function of thickness. Transmission calculations for various absorbers such as wedges and attenuators were performed for cobalt-60 and 6-MV beams and were compared with measured data. For a cobalt-60 beam, the measured transmission fraction through a 1.33-cm-thick absorber (alloy, consisting of 55% bismuth and 45% lead) for a field size of 24 x 24 cm2 is 17% higher than the calculated value using a narrow beam attenuation coefficient. Also, for the same absorber, measured central axis transmission is as much as 3.6% higher compared to off-axis locations. The measured transmission fraction through a 1.33-cm absorber was found to differ by as much as 13% and 14% for Cobalt-60 and 6 MV, respectively, as the chamber-to-source distance was varied from 70 to 110 cm. The agreement between calculated and measured values is within 0.5% for both energies whereas conventional narrow beam calculations would have yielded errors of 18% and 19%, respectively. Similar agreement was obtained when comparing calculated and measured wedge factors as a function of field size, with the maximum deviation being 0.7%. Measured scattered doses, due to an attenuator covering part of a beam, show a maximum for a thickness of approximately one mean-free path. This is also predicted by calculations with an agreement of 0.3%.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed1994

Radiation myelopathy following single courses of radiotherapy and retreatment.

PURPOSE: To assess the latent time, survival and dose-fractionation factors associated with permanent radiation myelopathy following single and multiple courses of radiotherapy to the spinal cord. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients who were registered at the Princess Margaret Hospital between 1955 and 1985, and who developed permanent radiation myelopathy. There were 22 males and 13 females with ages ranging from 30 to 72 years. Twenty-four patients developed permanent myelopathy after one course of radiation therapy and 11 patients following retreatment. Seven patients had histological confirmation of radiation myelopathy at autopsy. RESULTS: The actuarial survival was 14% at 5 years (median: 8.3 months) from the date of diagnosis of radiation myelopathy. Latent times for myelopathy following a single course of treatment (mean: 18.5 months, 7-57 months), were significantly longer than those after reirradiation (mean: 11.4 months, 4-25 months), p = 0.03. There was not a single incident of myelopathy in patients who received fractionated radiotherapy given once daily to an extrapolated response dose (ERD) of < or = 100 Gy2 (equivalent to 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions). Four patients who developed myelopathy after an ERD of < 100 Gy2 were all treated on accelerated fractionation protocols with multiple fractions given per day. Patients who were reirradiated received significantly higher doses (mean ERD of 148 Gy2) than those who had a single course of treatment (mean ERD of 121 Gy2), p = 0.001. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the risk of radiation myelopathy following conventionally fractionated radiotherapy to the spinal cord is extremely small; giving multiple fractions per day reduces the spinal cord tolerance; latent time to myelopathy decreases following retreatment; and there is possible long-term recovery of radiation damage in the human spinal cord.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The role of magnetic resonance for assessing radiation-induced lung damage.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential role of Magnetic Resonance for assessing radiation-Induced lung damage. METHODS AND MATERIALS: T1 and T2 relaxation times were measured for lungs excised from Sprague-Dawley rats at various times following thoracic irradiation. RESULTS: Although on average a 10% increase was observed in the T2 relaxation times between 30 and 80 days after irradiation, this is too small to affect image contrast. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that relaxation measurements are unlikely to yield new information to characterize changes in lung tissue caused by radiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Radiosensitivity of human clonogenic myeloma cells and normal bone marrow precursors: effect of different dose rates and fractionation.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of radiation dose rate and fractionation effects on clonogenic myeloma cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The radiosensitivity of clonogenic myeloma cells was evaluated for seven human myeloma cell lines. The lines were maintained in liquid suspension culture. Following radiation, cells were plated in semisolid medium using methylcellulose as viscous support. Radiation doses up to 12 Gy were delivered at dose rates of 0.05 and 0.5 Gy/min by a 60Co source. Each total dose was administered either as a single dose or in multiple fractions of 2 Gy. The data were analyzed according to the linear quadratic and multi target model of irradiation. RESULTS: Clonogenic progenitors of the seven myeloma cell lines differed in their radiosensitivity as measured by multiple parameters. The differences were mainly observed at low dose. The most effective cytoreduction was seen when radiation was administered in a single fraction at high dose rate. The cytoreductive effect on clonogenic myeloma cells was compared for clinically practiced total body irradiation (TBI) schedules delivered either in a single or in multiple fractions without causing significant pulmonary toxicity. The administration of 12 Gy delivered in six fractions of 2 Gy resulted in a superior reduction of clonogenic cells compared to a single fraction of 5 Gy. CONCLUSION: The preparation of bone marrow transplant recipients with multiple myeloma using fractionated radiation with a total dose of 12 Gy appears to afford better ablation than a single dose of 5 Gy while maintaining a low incidence of pulmonary toxicity.

Bone Marrow↗
PubMed1994

Quantitative effect of combined chemotherapy and fractionated radiotherapy on the incidence of radiation-induced lung damage: a prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to assess the incidence of radiological changes compatible with radiation-induced lung damage as determined by computed tomography (CT), and subsequently calculate the dose effect factors (DEF) for specified chemotherapeutic regimens. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A prospective, clinical study was conducted to determine the response of normal lung tissue to combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Radiation treatments were administered once daily, 5 days-per-week. Six clinical protocols were evaluated: ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vincristine, and DTIC) followed by 35 Gy in 20 fractions; MOPP (nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) followed by 35 Gy in 20; MOPP/ABVD followed by 35 Gy in 20; CAV (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and vincristine) followed by 25 Gy in 10; and 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) concurrent with either 50-52 Gy in 20-21 or 30-36 Gy in 10-15 fractions. CT examinations were taken before and at predetermined intervals following radiotherapy. CT evidence for the development of radiation-induced damage was defined as an increase in lung density within the irradiated volume. The radiation dose to lung was calculated using a CT-based algorithm to account for tissue inhomogeneities. Different fractionation schedules were converted using two isoeffect models, the estimated single dose (ED) and the normalized total dose (NTD). RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were entered and 70 completed the study. Forty-two patients developed CT changes compatible with lung damage. The actuarial incidence of radiological pneumonitis was 71% for the ABVD, 49% for MOPP, 52% for MOPP/ABVD, 67% for CAV, 73% for 5-FU radical, and 58% for 5-FU palliative protocols. Depending on the isoeffect model selected and the method of analysis, the DEF was 1.11-1.14 for the ABVD, 0.96-0.97 for the MOPP, 0.96-1.02 for the MOPP/ABVD, 1.03-1.10 for the CAV, 0.74-0.79 for the 5-FU radical, and 0.94 for the 5-FU palliative protocols. CONCLUSION: Quantitative dose effect factors (DEF) were measured by comparing the incidences of CT-observed lung damage in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy to those receiving radiotherapy alone. The addition of ABVD or CAV appeared to reduce the tolerance of lung to radiation.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1994

Radiation-induced lung damage in rats: the influence of fraction spacing on effect per fraction.

PURPOSE: When the linear-quadratic model is used to predict fractionated treatments which are isoeffective, it is usually assumed that each (equal size) treatment fraction has an equal effect, independent of the time at which it was delivered during a course of treatment. Previous work by our group has indicated that this assumption may not be valid in the context of radiation-induced lung damage in rats. Consequently we tested directly the validity of the assumption that each fraction has an equal effect, independent of the time it is delivered. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An experiment was completed in which fractionated irradiation was given to whole thoraces of Sprague-Dawley rats. All treatment schedules consisted of eleven equal dose fractions in 36 days given as a split course, with some groups receiving the bulk of the doses early in the treatment schedule, before a 27-day gap, and others receiving most of the dose toward the end of the treatment schedule, after the time gap. To monitor the incidence of radiation-induced damage, breathing rate and lethality assays were used. RESULTS: The maximum differences in the LD50s and breathing rate ED50s for the different fractionation schedules were 4.0% and 7.7% respectively. The lethality data and breathing rate data were consistent with results expected from modelling using the linear-quadratic model with the inclusion of an overall time factor, but not the generalized linear-quadratic model which accounted for fraction spacing. CONCLUSION: For conventional daily fractionation, and within the range of experimental uncertainties, the results indicate that the effect of a treatment fraction does not depend on the time at which it is given (its position) in the treatment. The results indicate no need to extend isoeffect formulae to consider the effect of each fraction separately for radiation-induced lung damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Management of radiation oncology patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers: report of AAPM Task Group No. 34. American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Contemporary cardiac pacemakers can fail from radiation damage at doses as low as 10 gray and can exhibit functional changes at doses as low as 2 gray. A review and discussion of this potential problem is presented and a protocol is offered that suggests that radiation therapy patients with implanted pacemakers be planned so as to limit accumulated dose to the pacemaker to 2 gray. Although certain levels and types of electromagnetic interference can cause pacemaker malfunction, there is evidence that this is not a serious problem around most contemporary radiation therapy equipment.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMed1993

Ultrasonic measurements of breathing rate in rats and computer assisted analysis.

PURPOSE: An ultrasound breathing rate measurement technique and a computer analysis algorithm have been developed to reduce the amount of time needed to collect and analyze animal breathing rate data, as well as to improve the testing environment. The system is not airtight, therefore, acclimatization and collection time is not limited, and the technique makes use of a top loading apparatus to facilitate animal entry. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Breathing rate is measured using two ultrasound transducers housed directly above the rat thorax in the plexiglass jig. The breathing rate signal is stored and evaluated by computer. The ultrasound technique was tested using a loud speaker driven by a signal generator, over a range of 30 to 450 cycles/min. In addition, the ultrasonic breathing rate method was used to record the breathing rate response of Sprague Dawley rats, treated with graded single doses of radiation, over a period of 170 days. RESULTS: For the loud speaker tests, the measured frequency agreed with that of the input signal with a maximum deviation of 1%. For the animal irradiations, all breathing rate data were analyzed by both user and computer selection of regular breathing. The techniques gave the same results at the 95% confidence limit. Using the computer program to assess the traces, 240 breathing rates can be determined per hour, from previously measured data. CONCLUSION: A new technique for measuring breathing rate has been developed and enhances both the collection and analysis of data.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1993

Commissioning and quality assurance of treatment planning computers.

The process of radiation therapy is complex and involves many steps. At each step, comprehensive quality assurance procedures are required to ensure the safe and accurate delivery of a prescribed radiation dose. This report deals with a comprehensive commissioning and ongoing quality assurance program specifically for treatment planning computers. Detailed guidelines are provided under the following topics: (a) computer program and system documentation and user training, (b) sources of uncertainties and suggested tolerances, (c) initial system checks, (d) repeated system checks, (e) quality assurance through manual procedures, and in vivo dosimetry, and (f) some additional considerations including administration and manpower requirements. In the context of commercial computerized treatment planning systems, uncertainty estimates and achievable criteria of acceptability are presented for: (a) external photon beams, (b) electron beams, (c) brachytherapy, and (d) treatment machine setting calculations. Although these criteria of acceptability appear large, they approach the limit achievable with most of today's treatment planning systems. However, developers of new or improved dose calculation algorithms should strive for the goal recommended by the International Commission of Radiation Units and Measurements of 2% in relative dose accuracy in low dose gradients or 2 mm spatial accuracy in regions with high dose gradients. For brachytherapy, the aim should be 3% accuracy in dose at distances of 0.5 cm or more at any point for any radiation source. Details are provided for initial commissioning tests and follow-up reproducibility tests. The final quality assurance for each patient is to perform an independent manual check of at least one point in the dose distributions, as well as the machine setting calculation. As a check of the overall treatment planning process, in vivo dosimetry should be performed on a select number of patients.

Brachytherapy↗
PubMed1993

Effect of hypoxia on the hepatic metabolism of lidocaine in the isolated perfused pig liver.

The metabolism of lidocaine to monoethylglycinexylidide has been found useful as an indicator of liver function in association with liver transplantation. It has been postulated that this is due to the common effect of hypoxic damage on liver function and lidocaine metabolism. The effects of hypoxia on the elimination of lidocaine and the formation of monoethylglycinexylidide and on indexes of liver function were investigated with the isolated perfused pig liver preparation. This study was performed at similar hepatic effluent lidocaine concentrations of approximately 5 micrograms.ml-1 in normoxic (n = 7) and hypoxic (n = 8) livers of similar mass harvested from male Landrace x Large White pigs and perfused at standard unit hepatic flow rates. Whole blood lidocaine extraction ratio was 0.63 +/- 0.02 in normoxic livers (30% O2 at oxygenator inflow). It was significantly less (0.23 +/- 0.03) in livers subjected to hypoxia (2% O2 at oxygenator inflow), as were hepatic clearance (57.1 +/- 2.1 vs. 20.3 +/- 3.1 ml.min-1.100 gm-1), intrinsic clearance (1,706 +/- 182 vs. 284 +/- 53 ml.min-1.100 gm-1) and monoethylglycinexylidide formation as indicated by monoethylglycinexylidide/lidocaine ratios in the hepatic venous effluent (0.379 +/- 0.061 vs. 0.073 +/- 0.014) (p < 0.01). Hepatic oxygen consumption, adenine nucleotide status and bile flow were significantly impaired by hypoxia. Whereas perfusate potassium concentration increased early, AST levels showed delayed increases and ALT levels showed no changes. These changes correlated strongly with hepatic lidocaine elimination (p < 0.01). We conclude that lidocaine metabolism may be an early indicator of severe hepatic hypoxia.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of isoeffect formulae for predicting radiation-induced lung damage.

An experiment has been performed in which fractionated irradiation was given to the whole thorax of Sprague-Dawley rats with schedules chosen so that doses per fraction and overall treatment time were changed independently. Damage was monitored by lethality. The data have been analyzed to yield dose per fraction and time parameters using multiple non-linear regression analysis. The results show that a linear-quadratic cell survival formula, extended to include an exponential time component to account for proliferation or slow repair during the treatment, can predict isoeffective doses to within 7% accuracy over a wide range of times (3.5-49 days) and doses per fraction (1.8-10.2 Gy). Other isoeffect formulae based on the linear-quadratic and empirical power law functions were also evaluated. A linear-quadratic formula with a time dependent alpha parameter fitted the data particularly well. This result suggests an alternative underlying mechanism and requires further investigation.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Myelopathy following hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

From 1975 to 1982, 32 patients with a diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid were entered into a protocol of hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy. The tumor dose was 30-45 Gy at 1 Gy per fraction given 4 times a day at 3-h intervals. The results were disappointing with a median survival of less than 6 months. Two patients developed radiation myelopathy at 8 and 13 months, total spinal cord dose being 39.9 and 48.3 Gy, respectively. The risk of spinal cord damage was much higher than expected. The possible radiobiological causes and clinical implications are discussed.

Carcinoma↗