Reference dosimetry for MRI-Linacs: an addendum to the 2020 IPEM code of practice for high-energy photon therapy dosimetry.

Abstract

The 2020 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine code of practice (COP) for megavoltage dosimetry (Eaton et al2020Phys. Med. Biol.65195006) provides standardised and practical methods for measurement of absorbed dose to water, linked to calibration by the National Physical Laboratory. This report extends the use of that COP to MRI-Linacs through the addition of two correction factors: (1) to account for the influence of the magnetic field on the absorbed dose and model-specific chamber response; and (2) to account for differences in chamber response in the beam spectrum of the MRI-Linac and the Linac where the cross-calibration is performed. Guidance is provided on practical aspects of chamber calibration and dose measurement in MRI-Linac beams, including the use of liquid water, consistent chamber orientation and corrections for other influence quantities. Using this approach uncertainties are similar to other applications of the COP.