A comparison study of ridge filter parameter using FLUKA and GEANT4 simulation code

TL;DR

This study compares the physical dose distribution results of ridge filter parameters in carbon ion therapy using FLUKA and GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations, highlighting optimal design parameters and the consistency between the two codes.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of ridge filter parameter optimization for SOBP in carbon ion therapy using two different simulation codes, FLUKA and GEANT4.

Findings

Minimum groove width should be at least 0.4cm.

SOBP widths are 8cm, 9cm, and 10cm for different ridge heights.

Average difference between FLUKA and GEANT4 results is 3%.

Abstract

We investigated the parameter optimization of ridge filter thickness using a Monte Carlo simulation for carbon ion therapy. For this study, a ridge filter was designed for the Spread-Out Bragg Peak (SOBP) by considering the relative biological effect (RBE). The thickness, height, and width of the ridge filter were designed by using the FLUKA and GEANT4 code, and we analyzed and compared the results of the physical dose distribution for the FLUKA and GEANT4 coding. The results show that the minimum width of the groove for the ridge filter should be at least 0.4cm for the appropriate biological dose. The SOBP sections are 8cm, 9cm, and 10cm, respectively, when heights are 3.5cm, 4.0cm, and 4.5cm. The height of the ridge filter is designed to be associated with the SOBP width. Also, the results for the FLUKA and GEANT4 code show that an average value of difference is 3% and a maximum error is 5%; however, its trend was similar. Therefore, the height and width of the groove for the ridge filter are used for important parameters to decide the length and plateau of SOBP.