Comparison of 2D and 3D Gamma calculations for an IMRT QA phantom

Gamma index pass rates were evaluated for an anthropomorphic phantom using both 2D and 3D calculations. The phantom was irradiated with the traditional dosimetry insert loaded with radiochromic film and TLD, and then with a 3D dosimetry insert. A comparison with the calculated dose distribution showed that both the PRESAGE (R) dosimeter and the film and TLD system agreed with the plan to within 5% using 2D gamma index criteria. The 3D gamma index showed a slightly higher pass rate than the 2D gamma index at 3%/3mm, and comparable pass rates using more generous constraints. The acceptable number of pixels passing the tighter constraints (3%/3mm) might be dependent upon the choice between a 2D calculation versus a 3D calculation.