Monte-Carlo techniques for radiotherapy applications I: introduction and overview of the different Monte-Carlo codes

Abstract Introduction: The dose calculation plays a crucial role in many aspects of contemporary clinical radiotherapy treatment planning process. It therefore goes without saying that the accuracy of the dose calculation is of very high importance. The gold standard for absorbed dose calculation is the Monte-Carlo algorithm. Methods: This first of two papers gives an overview of the main openly available and supported codes that have been widely used for radiotherapy simulations. Results: The paper aims to provide an overview of Monte-Carlo in the field of radiotherapy and point the reader in the right direction of work that could help them get started or develop their existing understanding and use of Monte-Carlo algorithms in their practice. Conclusions: It also serves as a useful companion to a curated collection of papers on Monte-Carlo that have been published in this journal.