An Update of Couch Effect on the Attenuation of Megavoltage Radiotherapy Beam and the Variation of Absorbed Dose in the Build-up Region

PURPOSE: Fiber carbon is the most common material used in treating couch as it causes less beam attenuation than other materials. Beam attenuation replaces build-up region, reduces skin-sparing effect and causes target volume under dosage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate beam attenuation and variation of build-up region in 550 TxT radiotherapy couch. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we utilized cylindrical PMMA Farmer chamber, DOSE-1 electrometer and set PMMA phantom in isocenter of gantry and the Farmer chamber on the phantom. Afterwards, the gantry rotated 10°, and attenuation was assessed. To measure build-up region, we used Markus chamber, Solid water phantom and DOSE-1 electrometer. Doing so, we set Solid water phantom on isocenter of gantry and placed Markus chamber in it, then we quantified the build-up region at 0° and 180° gantry angels and compared the obtained values. RESULTS: Notable attenuation and build-up region variation were observed in 550 TxT treatment table. The maximum rate of attenuation was 5.95% for 6 MV photon beam, at 5×5 cm(2) field size and 130° gantry angle, while the maximum variation was 7 mm for 6 MV photon beam at 10×10 cm(2) field size. CONCLUSION: Fiber carbon caused beam attenuation and variation in the build-up region. Therefore, the application of fiber carbon is recommended for planning radiotherapy to prevent skin side effects and to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence.