Oncentra® Brachy ACE Advanced Collapsed Cone Engine in Brachytherapy Oncentra® Brachy is another step closer to clinical reality with the addition of its new Advanced Collapsed cone Engine: ACE. This dose calculation algorithm for brachytherapy is based on the TG-186 recommendations as published by the AAPM workgroup in 20121. ACE, fully integrated in Oncentra Brachy, discriminates between tissue, air and bone and accounts for tissue heterogeneities, lack of backscatter from areas where there is no tissue, applicator attenuation and shielding. With similar accuracy to and faster calculation times than Monte Carlo2,3, ACE provides better insight on the actual dose distribution compared to TG-43, enabling you to make informed treatment decisions. . . . Monte Carlo • Obtain better insight on actual dose distribution, by following the TG-186 recommendations • Similar accuracy to and faster calculation times than Monte Carlo • Fully integrated in Oncentra Brachy ensuring smooth and intuitive system operation and easy integration in your current workflow Figure 1. Image* shows a breast case with a comparison of isodose curves as calculated with ACE, conventional TG-43, and Monte Carlo. Clearly visible is the agreement between ACE and Monte Carlo and the discrepancy with TG-43, especially with respect to the patient’s skin dose. * ACE image courtesy of Prof. Dr. Luc Beaulieu, chairman of TG-186, Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Canada.

Standard TG-43 dose distribution, with correction for shielding Figure 2. Images show the dose distribution for a gynecology case using the Fletcher Williamson Applicator. The ACE image on the left shows a much more realistic representation of the effect of the shielding, as illustrated by the isodose curves compared to the TG-43 calculation. TG-43, based on the inherent assumption that the shields and everything else has the absorption and scatter characteristics of water4, underestimates the effects of shielding. Oncentra Brachy offers the latest advanced tools to make the best brachytherapy...