title: Monte Carlo reference data sets for imaging research: Executive summary of the report of AAPM Research Committee Task Group 195.
abstract: The use of Monte Carlo simulations in diagnostic medical imaging research is widespread due to its flexibility and ability to estimate quantities that are challenging to measure empirically. However, any new Monte Carlo simulation code needs to be validated before it can be used reliably. The type and degree of validation required depends on the goals of the research project, but, typically, such validation involves either comparison of simulation results to physical measurements or to previously published results obtained with established Monte Carlo codes. The former is complicated due to nuances of experimental conditions and uncertainty, while the latter is challenging due to typical graphical presentation and lack of simulation details in previous publications. In addition, entering the field of Monte Carlo simulations in general involves a steep learning curve. It is not a simple task to learn how to program and interpret a Monte Carlo simulation, even when using one of the publicly available code packages. This Task Group report provides a common reference for benchmarking Monte Carlo simulations across a range of Monte Carlo codes and simulation scenarios. In the report, all simulation conditions are provided for six different Monte Carlo simulation cases that involve common x-ray based imaging research areas. The results obtained for the six cases using four publicly available Monte Carlo software packages are included in tabular form. In addition to a full description of all simulation conditions and results, a discussion and comparison of results among the Monte Carlo packages and the lessons learned during the compilation of these results are included. This abridged version of the report includes only an introductory description of the six cases and a brief example of the results of one of the cases. This work provides an investigator the necessary information to benchmark his/her Monte Carlo simulation software against the reference cases included here before performing his/her own novel research. In addition, an investigator entering the field of Monte Carlo simulations can use these descriptions and results as a self-teaching tool to ensure that he/she is able to perform a specific simulation correctly. Finally, educators can assign these cases as learning projects as part of course objectives or training programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sechopoulos
authors.affiliation: Carleton Laboratory for Radiotherapy Physics, Department of Physics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
authors.forename: Elsayed S M
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993-0002.
authors.forename: Andreu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Badal
authors.affiliation: Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993-0002.
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Badano
authors.affiliation: Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95817.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Boone
authors.affiliation: Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993-0002.
authors.forename: Iacovos S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Kyprianou
authors.affiliation: National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
authors.forename: Ernesto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mainegra-Hing
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Physics and Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024.
authors.forename: Kyle L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Physics and Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024.
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: McNitt-Gray
authors.affiliation: Carleton Laboratory for Radiotherapy Physics, Department of Physics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada.
authors.forename: D W O
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.affiliation: Carl E. Ravin Advanced Imaging Laboratories, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27705.
authors.forename: Ehsan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Samei
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Physics and Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024.
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Turner
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D001940:Breast; D006801:Humans; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D012015:Reference Standards; D058028:Research Report; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed