Dose Calculation Tool for Body Radiosurgery Approved by the FDA
The Monte Carlo Dose Calculation algorithm from Accuray Incorporated received the blessing of the Food and Drug Administration. The product was launched at the 9th Biennial European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting on Physics and Radiation Technology for Clinical Radiotherapy. The announcement was also detailed by Accuray on the company’s website.
Radiation therapy and radiosurgery both require calculation methods to determine correct dosing. Dose calculation protocols are completed to ensure that the x-ray beams for therapy, comprised of trillions of photons, reach the therapeutic target. Standard protocols for dose calculation are based on the assumption that photons will follow a single, linear path. Only one calculation is generally used.
Monte Carlo methods for statistical probability are more comprehensive means for analysis and consider the possibility that the photons will interact. This analysis approach also addresses individual probabilities and then creates a dose calculation which includes both the target lesion and structures that surround such. Monte Carlo methods are the gold standard for statistical assessment of probability.
Monte Carlo has not previously been used for radiotherapy dose calculations because it was difficult to practically employ in the course of treatment, in addition to being rather time consuming to complete. Accuray’s new Monte Carlo Dose Calculation product overcomes the limitations that result from time to complete the calculation. The product is based on an algorithm developed by Accuray to conduct this calculation precisely and rapidly. The dose predicts the amount of radiation that tumors will receive during treatment.
The new calculation tool is also available with the Accuray CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System. This allows use of this approach to treat, in particular, lung tumors. It can also be purchased separately as a software upgrade for the company’s Multiplan 2.0 Treatment Planning System or as a new Multiplan System.
September 18, 2007 Related topics: Product Approval & Certification, New Technology & Innovation, Quality, Safety, Errors, Hematology & Oncology