Experimental 3D dosimetry around a high-dose-rate clinical 192Ir source using a polyacrylamide gel (PAG) dosimeter.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

It is well known that the experimental dosimetry of brachytherapy sources presents a challenge. Depending on the particular-dosimeter used, measurements can suffer from poor spatial resolution (ion chambers), lack of 3D information (film) or errors due to the presence of the dosimeter itself distorting the radiation flux. To avoid these problems, we have investigated the dosimetry of a clinical 192Ir source using a polyacrylamide gel (PAG) dosimeter. Experimental measurements of dose versus radial distance from the centre of the source (cross-line plots) were compared with calculations produced with a Nucletron NPS planning system. Good agreement was found between the planning system and gel measurements in planes selected for analysis. Gel dosimeter measurements in a coronal plane through the phantom showed a mean difference between measured absorbed dose and calculated dose of 0.17 Gy with SD = 0.13 Gy. Spatially, the errors at the reference point remain within one image pixel (1.0 mm). The use of polymer gel dosimetry shows promise for brachytherapy applications, offering complete, three-dimensional dose information, good spatial resolution and small measurement errors. Measurements close to the source, however, are difficult, due to some of the limiting properties of the polyacrylamide gel.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • McJury, M; Tapper, PD; Cosgrove, VP; Murphy, PS; Griffin, S; Leach, MO; Webb, S; Oldham, M

Published Date

  • October 1999

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 44 / 10

Start / End Page

  • 2431 - 2444

PubMed ID

  • 10533920

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0031-9155

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1088/0031-9155/44/10/305

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England