Monte Carlo Simulation of Medical Accelerator Electron Treatment Heads

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulation is an accurate and detailed method of modelling the complex electron source configurations and geometries seen in radiation therapy. It is known to be very accurate when used properly for patient specific dose calculations. This thesis was concerned with the development of accelerator treatment head models which could provide the details of the beam incident on the patient needed for complex electron treatment planning. An accurate treatment head model was developed which accounted for the measured asymmetries in the actual beam. This included the influence of a magnetic field in the treatment head previously unaccounted for. The treatment head model was used to investigate a novel method of electron beam delivery for breast treatment. The method was found to produce dose distributions similar to the conventional method, with the potential for faster and more complex treatments.