FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions with the corresponding answers for you. For further questions please contact our technical support.
General
How does automation work with 2D vs. 3D calculations using RadCalc AIR (Automated Import and Reporting)?
2D point dose calculations will always be triggered by RadCalc AIR. If CT images, ROI structures and 3D dose information is also available with the plan, 3D calculations will be performed as well. If both Monte Carlo and Collapsed Cone algorithms are available for 3D dose calculations, the default calculation type can be selected in the Institution Setup menu within RadCalc.
Can I use RadCalc remotely, from my home office?
Yes, RadCalc can be used remotely with many simultenous users, at no extra cost. The details of settings can be found in the User Manual Chapter 1.1, or you can contact our service depatrment for further assistance.
What about RadCalc 3D EPID Dosimetry?
With the end of support for Dosimetry Check, we have incorporated all of Dosimetry Check’s 3D EPID dose calculation functionality into RadCalc. This expanded QA platform will provide all RadCalc’s core dose verification and 3D dose volume functionality while adding support for conventional linac EPID-based patient pre-treatment and exit-transit dosimetry using a collapsed cone convolution superposition algorithm. This makes RadCalc to a single platform for all patient QA needs.
Does RadCalc support VMAT solutions of other vendors like Varian RapidArc, Pinnacle's SmartArc, and others?
Yes, RadCalc supports all VMAT solutions. One of the most challenging second check calculation in radiation therapy is the Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) calculation, with trade names such as RapidArc, Monaco with VMAT by Elekta, and SmartArc. The challenge has to do with the fact that the treatment planning systems only provide a physical average depth and effective depth. This is not adequate because the beam does not have a constant output as it rotates around the patient. A correct solution requires that the depth and effective depth for every control point be known.
These second check calculations can be performed quickly, easily, and effectively with RadCalc's Regions of Interest (ROI) Module. A Regions of Interest tab was added to RadCalc's Photon Calculations for this purpose. To perform these calculations, the CT structures are exported along with the plan file from the VMAT calculation to RadCalc. Average densities for the various structures can be imported (depending on the planning system), automatically selected from a prepopulated density table, or manually entered.
How can I send DICOM plans to RadCalc?
RadCalc can import DICOM files stored in the filesystem, but RadCalc also provide a service to receive DICOM information over the network. The configuration of this service (AE title, output directory, port number) is described in details in the Technical Reference 7 document.
What is the RadCalc Delivery QA solution?
RadCalc's Deliver QA package allows you to set up a complete phantom free patient QA workflow, reducing both the time needed in a bunker and labor costs. With the RadCalc Delivery QA package, you will have access to our advanced algorithms for 3D volumetric calculations for:
1) Secondary Check with your intended plan
2) Treatment Monitoring Fractional Log QA with treatment log file analysis
3) Reconstruction and EPID dosimetry for pre-treatment QA and in-vivo dosimetry
Subscription and support
How can I reduce the upfront spending?
We understand the need of our customers for reduced spending. We therefore offer subscription packages* on an annual or multi-year basis. Subscription packages make spending more manageable and transparent over time. As delivery techniques and routines change, users can match the spending to meet their actual needs. Latest updates and new features are included as well as technical support and maintenance. Lower initial spending helps increase accessibility, especially during challenging budgetary times.
Users can select from four pre-configured packages Essential, 3D Premium, 3D Gold, and 3D Unlimited and add additional modules to meet their specific clinical needs.
More information can be found on here.
*Subscription packages available within the US and Canada
What payment options do I have?
We accept payment via check, wire transfer, or credit card.
What is the cost?
RadCalc is licensed per physical site. You may configure as many machines and energies as you like. You may also have as many people accessing the software as you like at one institution, either via multiple PCs or a Network setup. Additional charges may apply if you have multiple institutions.
RadCalc is available in multiple configurations and can be customized to meet your clinical needs. Our most popular package is our Delivery QA package, which includes our advanced algorithms for 3D volumetric dose calculation of the treatment plan delivered at the linac via the use of either treatment log files or EPID dosimetry for a phantom free Patient QA workflow.
Reach out to our sales team for a quote!
What is included in RadCalc software support?
The RadCalc software support includes the following services:
- Technical support: Including support by phone, email, and website, as well as remote assistance with installation and training
- User friendly support manual
- Extensive integrated help system
- Free physics data entry service available for up to two machines: To accelerate your installation process
- Program upgrades included with active maintenance plan
What is RadCalc Customer Connect?
RadCalc Customer Connect is a user-friendly support portal that enhances the interaction of RadCalc customers with our support team. The platform offers increased visibility into support cases, allowing you to view case statuses and submit new cases. It also offers easy access to important technical documentation and software upgrades.
How can RadCalc assist my clinical physics team in the implementation and validation process?
RadCalc offers additional implementation and training packages. Regarding the implementation, our customer success team, consisting of experienced dosimetrists and physicists, will manage this project for you following Task Group 218, Task Group 219, and Task Group 307 recommendations.
This service is not available at all locations.
Learn more
What steps does your customer success team take to ensure seamless integration of AAPM Task Group recommendations (218, 219, 307) into our clinic's patient QA program while minimizing time and resource investments?
Our team begins by closely examining the specific setup and equipment in your clinic. We then utilize advanced machine configuration features to tailor our approach to match your clinical machine data, ensuring the most accurate alignment possible with your physical measurements. This meticulous process guarantees that our patient QA program integrates seamlessly into your clinic's workflow, meeting AAPM Task Group recommendations while minimizing any discrepancies.
What software upgrade services are available with RadCalc?
We offer software upgrade services to ensure you’re always using the latest features and improvements of RadCalc. Our upgrades include access to the newest functionalities aligned with industry recommendations, as well as any necessary configuration updates. Software upgrades are available as part of active maintenance agreements.
Supported modalities
Does RadCalc support Brachytherapy?
Yes. It supports 3D dose volume Brachytherapy calculations which include DVH protocols. The Brachytherapy module is available for purchase to those clients who have upgraded to or purchased RadCalc version 6.0. The Brachytherapy module will function only with version 6.0 and future releases.
Does RadCalc support CyberKnife?
Yes, RadCalc supports CyberKnife for single point calculations.
Does RadCalc support Superficial calculations?
Yes. We added this functionality in RadCalc version 6.3
Hardware and other requirements
For 3D dose volume calculations, do I need special computer hardware?
We recommend two types of dose engine computers to perform 3D Collapsed Cone and Monte Carlo calculations. Please request the specifications for a GPU and CPU dose engine computer from our sales team. These are not sold by us but can be bought from specialized retailers.
What are the physics data input requirements for RadCalc?
We have an automated process to configure your system to make this a very easy process. The following input would be needed: TMR, TPR, or PDD data Output factors: Total scatter or phantom and collimator scatter factors Wedge factors: Single factor or field size dependent factors Attenuator Factors: For block trays and other devices Off Axis Profiles: For open and wedge fields of varying field sizes and depths Electron cone and cutout factors.
What are the hardware requirements for Version 7.3 and above?
For the installation and operation of RadCalc 7.3, the following recommendations must be considered:
General Requirements
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
- Processor: Intel i5 or equivalent
- Memory: (RAM) 8GB
- Video: Minimum resolution 1024x768 and minimum 1GB video memory (RAM)
- Graphics: OpenGL 1.1 support required
- Hard drive space: 512 GB available. Varies with quantity and type of patient data
The RadCalc Portal:
- Operating System: Windows 64-Bit OS (Server 2019 or 2022)
- CPU: 8 Core or better
- RAM: 16GB or more
- Disk: 1TB SSD or more
- Network: The server on which the portal is installed should have a 5Gbps connection. Bandwidth to the client should be 10 mbps with a latency not exceeding 50 ms.
Collapsed Cone Module:
- Operating System: Windows 64-Bit OS (8, 10, Server 2012, 2016, or 2019)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, or similar (Must be NVIDIA)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700, 8 Core, 12 MB Cache, or better
- RAM: 16GB or more
- Disk: 512GB SSD or more
Monte Carlo Module:
- Operating System: Windows 64-Bit OS (8, 10, Server 2012, 2016, or 2019)
- CPU: Dual Intel Xeon Gold 5220, 2.2GHz, 3.9GHz Turbo, 18 Core, or better
- RAM: 64GB or more
- Disk: 512GB SSD or more
What physics data is required for RadCalc?
RadCalc requires the following physics data to be configured in the software:
TMR, TPR, or PDD data
Output factors: Total scatter or phantom and collimator scatter factors
Wedge factors: Single factor or field size dependent factors
Attenuator Factors: For block trays and other devices
Off Axis Profiles: For open and wedge fields of varying field sizes and depths
Electron cone and cutout factors