Assessment of stereotactic high-resolution detectors for stereotactic body radiotherapy: comparative analysis between myQA® SRS and Gafchromic EBT-XD films

The study aimed to evaluate dosimetry systems used for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), specifically 2D array dosimetry and film dosimetry systems, for exploring their characteristics and clinical suitability. For this, high-resolution myQA SRS detectors and Gafchromic EBT-XD films were employed. Film analysis included net optical density (OD) values depending on energy, dose rate, scanner orientation, scanning side, and post-exposure growth. For myQA SRS, signal values were evaluated in terms of dose rate (400–1400 MU/min) and angular dependence (0–180° at 30° intervals) along with couch angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°. Pre-treatment verification included 32 SBRT patients for whom myQA SRS results were compared with those obtained with Gafchromic EBT-XD films. Analysis revealed less than 1% deviation in net OD for energy and dose rate dependence. Scanner orientation caused 2.5% net OD variation, with minimal differences between film front and back scan orientations (variance < 1.0%). A rapid OD rise occurred within six hours post-exposure, followed by gradual increase. The myQA SRS detector showed − 3.7% dose rate dependence (400 MU/min), while the angular dependence at 90° was − 26.7%. A correction factor effectively reduced these differences to < 1%. For myQA SRS, gamma passing rates were—93.6% (2%/1 mm), while those for EBT-XD films were—92.8%. Improved rates were observed with 3%/1 mm: for myQA SRS—97.9%, and for EBT-XD film—98.16%. In contrast, for 2%/2 mm with 10% threshold, for myQA SRS—97.7% and for EBT-XD film—98.97% were obtained. It is concluded that both myQA SRS detectors and EBT-XD films are suitable for SBRT pre-treatment verification, ensuring accuracy and reliability. However, myQA SRS detectors are preferred over EBT-XD film due to the fact that they offer real-time measurements and user-friendly features.

Graphical Abstract