Functional stereotactic radiosurgery involving a dedicated linear accelerator and gamma unit: A comparison study

Timothy D. Solberg, Steven J. Goetsch, Michael T. Selch, William Melega, Goran Lacan, Antonio A F DeSalles

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Object. The purpose of this work was to investigate the targeting and dosimetric characteristics of a linear accelerator (LINAC) system dedicated for stereotactic radiosurgery compared with those of a commercial gamma knife (GK) unit. Methods. A phantom was rigidly affixed within a Leksell stereotactic frame and axial computerized tomography scans were obtained using an appropriate stereotactic localization device. Treatment plans were performed, film was inserted into a recessed area, and the phantom was positioned and treated according to each treatment plan. In the case of the LINAC system, four 140° arcs, spanning ± 60° of couch rotation, were used. In the case of the GK unit, all 201 sources were left unplugged. Radiation was delivered using 3- and 8-mm LINAC collimators and 4- and 8-mm collimators of the GK unit. Targeting ability was investigated independently on the dedicated LINAC by using a primate model. Measured 50% spot widths for multisource, single-shot radiation exceeded nominal values in all cases by 38 to 70% for the GK unit and 11 to 33% for the LINAC system. Measured offsets were indicative of submillimeter targeting precision on both devices. In primate studies, the appearance of an magnetic resonance imaging-enhancing lesion coincided with the intended target. Conclusions. Radiosurgery performed using the 3-mm collimator of the dedicated LINAC exhibited characteristics that compared favorably with those of a dedicated GK unit. Overall targeting accuracy in the submillimeter range can be achieved, and dose distributions with sharp falloff can be expected for both devices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)373-380
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of neurosurgery
Volume101
Issue numberSUPPL. 3
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2004

Keywords

  • Comparison study
  • Gamma knife
  • Linear accelerator
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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