Academia Open
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): June

Comparative Study Between Global and Local Gamma Index for Evaluating Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for Prostate Cancer

Mustafa I. Ahmed Aldulaimy (Biochemistry branch , Al-Batool College of Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul)
Ahmed Suhail (Department of New and Renewable Energies, College of Science, University of Mosul, Mosul)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Mar 2026

Abstract

General Background: Prostate cancer is a major malignancy among men, and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is widely used in radiotherapy to deliver precise radiation doses while protecting surrounding organs at risk. Specific Background: The gamma index is commonly applied in radiotherapy quality assurance to evaluate agreement between planned and delivered dose distributions using global and local calculation methods. Knowledge Gap: However, uncertainty remains regarding which gamma index method provides more reliable verification for VMAT prostate cancer treatment. Aims: This study compares global and local gamma index approaches in evaluating VMAT treatment plans. Results: A prospective study involving 30 prostate cancer patients showed that VMAT achieved high tumour coverage (V98% = 97.03%) with minimal dose spread (V5% = 0.35%). The global gamma index consistently produced higher pass rates than the local gamma index across verification criteria (3%/3 mm: 0.95 vs 0.92; 2%/2 mm: 0.93 vs 0.81; 1%/1 mm: 0.69 vs 0.60) with significant differences. Novelty: The study provides comparative evidence of global and local gamma index performance in VMAT verification. Implications: The findings support the global g Highlights:• Vmat Planning Achieved High Target Coverage With V98% Reaching 97.03%.• Global Gamma Evaluation Produced Consistently Higher Pass Rates Across All Verification Criteria.• Significant Statistical Differences Observed Between Global and Local Dose Agreement Metrics. Keywords: Prostate Cancer, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, Gamma Index, Radiotherapy Quality Assurance, Dose Verification

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...