ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the applications of radiochromic films for these kilovoltage X-ray beams. Kilovoltage X-ray beams have a wide application in medicine for diagnostic purposes through various imaging modalities as well as therapeutic applications for cancer treatments and other clinical conditions. For all of these forms of X-ray units, radiochromic film has developed a niche with wide application in dosimetry imaging, and quality assurance. Relative dosimetry data of kilovoltage X-ray beams are measured for the commissioning of the X-ray unit, beam data collection for quality assurance testing, reference dosimetry measurements, and treatment planning calculations. The imaging modalities that utilize kilovoltage X-rays include diagnostic X-ray units, computed tomography (CT) scanners, and on-board imagers on linear accelerators. Imaging is an important component of the planning and treatment for radiotherapy patients. Although CT imaging was traditionally used primarily for diagnostic purposes, it is now a routine process for the treatment planning of all radiotherapy patients.
