Validation of GATE Monte Carlo code for simulation of proton therapy using National Institute of Standards and Technology library data. Issue 1 (5th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zarifi, Shiva; Taleshi Ahangari, Hadi; Jia, Sayyed Bijan; Tajik-Mansoury, Mohammad Ali
• Is Part Of: Journal of radiotherapy in practice. Volume 18:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2018-11-05
• Subjects: Bragg peak, -- GATE code, -- pencil beam, -- physics list, -- proton range; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.842005
• DOI: 10.1017/S1460396918000493
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1460-3969

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To validate the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) Monte Carlo simulation code by calculating the proton beam range in the therapeutic energy range. Materials and methods: In this study, the GATE code which is based on Geant4 was used for simulation. The proton beams in the therapeutic energy range (5–250 MeV) were simulated in a water medium, and then compared with the data from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in order to investigate the accuracy of different physics list available in the GATE code. In addition, the optimal value of SetCut was assessed. Results: In all energy ranges, the QBBC physics had a greater deviation in the ranges relative to the NIST data. With respect to the range calculation accuracy, the QGSP_BIC_EMY and QGSP_BERT_HP_EMY physics were in the range of statistical uncertainty; however, QGSP_BIC_EMY produced better results using the least squares. Based on an investigation into the range calculation precision and simulation efficiency, the optimal SetCut was set at 0·1 mm. Findings: Based on an investigation into the range calculation precision and simulation yield, the QGSP_BIC_EMY physics and the optimal SetCut was recommended to be 0·1 mm.