001

Offsite preparation

Starting with the design of the test, detailed descriptions of techniques and phantoms, calibration and finally the delivery of the equipment.

  • Design of E2E Tests in discussion with the Proton Center
  • Communication of necessary information to the Proton Center:
    • Description of the phantoms for each E2E Test (shape, dimensions, weight, etc.)
    • Description of target, dose constraints (if applicable), dose prescription and planning constraints for each E2E test
    • Description of the dosimetry techniques used for the E2E tests.
  • Delivery of phantoms and equipment Read more
  • Calibration and QA of alanine pellets in high-energy proton beam.
  • Calibration and QA of EBT3 films in high-energy proton beam.
  • Verified calibration of ionization chambers at the NPL.
  • Communication of tasks to be performed by the Proton Center and continued support by a MedAustron expert.
  • Preparation instruction from a medical physicist and continued support.

002

On-site support

Communication of tasks by MedAustron to be performed by the Proton Center and continued support by a MedAustron expert:

  • CT imaging of the phantoms according to local procedures
  • Planning of prescription for each selected E2E test according to local procedures
  • Phantom immobilization, alignment and positioning according to local procedures
  • Delivery of the planned beam delivery sequence according to local procedures

003

Data analysis

Performed by a MedAustron Medical Physicist in cooperation with the NPL:

  • Details on the analysis performed can be found in the Audit Report chapter.

004

Audit report

Provision of a final audit report containing:

  • Description of the methods of the audit and the measurement equipment used.
  • Description of the phantom, target, constraints (if applicable) and dose prescription for each E2E test performed.
  • NPL certificate containing:
    • Co-60 equivalent absorbed dose to water values for each alanine pellet according to Accredited Radiotherapy Level Alanine Dosimetry service
    • Absorbed dose to water values for each alanine pellet corrected for high-energy proton response as measured by MedAustron
  • Corrections of the alanine pellets’ measurements provided by NPL for the proton energy dependence.
  • Measurement results and comparison with prescribed absorbed dose to water values.
  • For each E2E test, results for 22 alanine pellet positions and for one point measurement with Farmer ionization chamber are reported.
  • Uncertainty budget of measurement results.