Poster Presentations Archive

UK & Ireland Prostate Brachytherapy Conference 2022

Abstract number 9

Implementation of an Independent Dose Calculation Software for Prostate Brachytherapy Plan Checks 

Wilson J, Gibson J
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 

PURPOSE: To evaluate and implement SunCHECK patient DoseCHECK – the SunNuclear platform already used within the department for EBRT dose verification – for independent 3D dose calculation of prostate brachytherapy plans from Oncentra Prostate TPS. In addition to the advantage of being the same platform used by the wider department, DoseCHECK also offers a more robust dose verification than the previous software used, which calculates point doses alone. 

METHODS: SunCHECK was added as a DICOM peer on Oncentra Prostate and the export method determined. A total of 15 current and historic prostate plans were exported and analysed by DoseCHECK using the default brachytherapy template in the first instance, which was then adapted to establish relevant assessment criteria. 

RESULTS: Due to the extremely high doses seen in brachytherapy close to the source, it was determined that local gamma analysis was more appropriate than global, and that a low threshold was required to prevent too many points being excluded from the calculation. Local gamma criteria 2%/1mm, 0.01% threshold were set and 13/15 plans achieved the 95% pass rate. Dosimetric information based on the individual target and OAR structures was used to aid plan assessment in the cases of failing overall gamma, and all plans met the criteria for clinical acceptance as a result of this. Point dose difference (tolerance 1%) and source strength agreement (tolerance 0.5%) were also assessed and passed in all cases. 

CONCLUSION: DoseCHECK was found to be suitable for providing an independent dose calculation for prostate brachytherapy plans produced using Oncentra Prostate. The analysis options available were investigated and assessment parameters along with pass/fail criteria were selected for clinical use. This software has now been implemented into our clinical workflow.