Peregrine monte carlo dose calculations for radiotherapy using clinically realistic neutron and proton beams

Conference · Mon Jun 16 04:00:00 EDT 1997

OSTI ID:16385

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has developed an all-particle Monte Carlo radiotherapy dose calculation code--PEREGRINE--for use in clinical radiation oncology. For PEREGRINE, we have assembled high-energy evaluated nuclear databases; created radiation source characterization and sampling algorithms; and simulated and characterized clinical beams for treatment with photons, neutrons and protons. Spectra are available for the Harper Hospital (Detroit, U.S.A.) Be(d,n) neutron therapy beam, the National Accelerator Centre (NAC, Faure, S.A.) Be(p,n) neutron therapy beam and many of the operating modes of the Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC, Loma Linda, USA) proton treatment center. These beam descriptions are being used in PEREGRINE for Monte Carlo dose calculations on clinical configurations for comparisons to measurements. The methods of defining and sampling the beam phase space characterizations are discussed. We show calculations using these clinical beams compared to measurements in homogeneous water phantoms. The state of PEREGRINE's high energy neutron and proton transport database, PCSL, is reviewed and the remaining issues involving nuclear data needs for PEREGRINE are addressed.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 16385
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC-127198; CONF-9705133--; ON: DE98051004
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY
MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENTS
NEUTRON THERAPY
NEUTRONS
PHASE SPACE
PROTON BEAMS
PROTON TRANSPORT
PROTONS
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIOTHERAPY