Performance of binary MLC using real-time optical sensor feedback system

Abstract

The Radixact system (Accuray Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) is the latest platform release based on the TomoTherapy technology. The most recent system does not apply a leaf latency model correction after plan optimization to ensure the correct MLC leaf-open time (LOT) agreement between the TPS and machine delivery. The MLC uses optical sensors to measure the delivered LOTs in real-time and individual leaf-specific latency corrections are made to ensure agreement. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the Radixact MLC with leaf-specific latency correction using the optical sensor's real-time feedback. Specifically, the study statistically evaluated the MLC LOT errors observed from 290 plan-specific quality assurance (PSQA) measurements. Repeatability testing was performed to quantify the uncertainty in the MLC feedback system delivery by analyzing > 1300 delivered treatment fractions throughout the course of radiotherapy. The clinical impact was evaluated by estimating the resulting dose difference in the patient targets due to the measured plan latencies. Our study measured an average plan latency equal to 2.0 ± 0.4 ms (0.6% ± 0.2%) for 290 PSQAs. Repeatability tests showed a mean standard deviation in plan latencies measuring 0.05 ms (0.02%). The deviation from the TPS in the mean target dose due to the plan latencies was estimated to be 0.0% ± 0.2% (range: -0.7%–1.1%). The current MLC system with real-time optical sensor feedback is capable of accurately delivering the TPS-generated sinograms. Repeatability test results showed that the system allows for high reliability in daily sinogram delivery. The MLC latency deviations were shown to have minimal clinical impact on the overall target dosimetry.