Basics of Monte-Carlo Simulation: Focusing on Dose-to-medium and Dose-to-water.

Treatment planning systems with highly accurate dose calculation algorithms such as Monte-Carlo method and linear Boltzmann transport equation are becoming popular thanks to a development of the computer technology. These algorithms use new concepts, dose-to-medium and dose-to-water. However, introducing these concepts can cause confusion in clinical sites. Basic knowledges about Monte-Carlo simulation and other corresponding algorithms were explained in this article such as the principles, the parameters and words of caution.