title: Radiotherapy Monte Carlo simulation using cloud computing technology.
abstract: Cloud computing allows for vast computational resources to be leveraged quickly and easily in bursts as and when required. Here we describe a technique that allows for Monte Carlo radiotherapy dose calculations to be performed using GEANT4 and executed in the cloud, with relative simulation cost and completion time evaluated as a function of machine count. As expected, simulation completion time decreases as 1/n for n parallel machines, and relative simulation cost is found to be optimal where n is a factor of the total simulation time in hours. Using the technique, we demonstrate the potential usefulness of cloud computing as a solution for rapid Monte Carlo simulation for radiotherapy dose calculation without the need for dedicated local computer hardware as a proof of principal.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, Herston, Australia. christopher.poole@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Poole
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cornelius
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Trapp
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Langton
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D020407:Internet; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation