Influence of 12-bit and 16-bit CT values of metals on dose calculation in radiotherapy using PRIMO, a Monte Carlo code for clinical linear accelerators

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of computed tomography (CT) values of metals in 12-bit and 16-bit extended Hounsfield Unit (EHU) scale on dose calculations in radiotherapy treatment planning systems (TPS) were quantified. Dose simulations for metals in water environment were performed with the software PRIMO in 6MV photon mode. The depth dose profiles were analysed and the relative dose differences between the metals determined with 12-bit and 16-bit CT imaging, respectively, were calculated. Maximum dose differences of ΔAl = 3.0%, ΔTi = 4.5%, ΔCr = 6.2% and ΔCu = 11.6% were measured. In order to increase the accuracy of dose calculation on patients with implants, CT imaging in the EHU scale is recommended.