In the present study, the effect of gantry orientation on the photoneutron
and capture gamma dose calculations for maze entrance door was evaluated. A
typical radiation therapy room made of ordinary concrete was simulated using
MCNPX Monte Carlo code. Gantry rotation was simulated at eight different
angles around the isocenter. Both neutron and capture gamma dose vary
considerably with gantry angle. The ratios of the maximum to the minimum
values for neutron and capture gamma dose equivalents were 1.9 and 1.4,
respectively. On the other hand, comparison of the Monte Carlo calculated
mean value over all orientations with Monte Carlo calculated neutron and
gamma dose showed that the Wu-McGinley method differed by 5% and 2%,
respectively. However, for more conservative shielding calculations, factors
of 1.6 and 1.3 should be applied to the calculated neutron and capture gamma
doses at downward irradiation. Finally, it can be concluded that the gantry
angle influences neutron and capture gamma dose at the maze entrance door and
it should be taken into account in shielding considerations.
Feasibility assessment of the interactive use of a Monte Carlo algorithm in treatment planning for intraoperative electron radiation therapy
