A seed specific dose kernel method for low-energy brachytherapy dosimetry

J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2003 Winter;4(1):66-74. doi: 10.1120/jacmp.v4i1.2543.

Abstract

We describe a method for independently verifying the dose distributions from pre- and post-implant brachytherapy source distributions. Monte Carlo calculations have been performed to characterize the three-dimensional dose distribution in water phantom from a low-energy brachytherapy source. The calculations are performed in a voxelized, Cartesian coordinate geometry and normalized based upon a separate Monte Carlo calculation for the seed specific air-kerma strength to produce an absolute dose grid with units of cGy hr(-1) x U(-1). The seed-specific, three-dimensional dose grid is stored as a text file for processing using a separate visual basic program. This program requires the coordinate positions of each seed in the pre- or post-plan and sums the kernel file for a three-dimensional composite dose distribution. A kernel matrix size of 81x81x81 with a voxel size of 1.0x1.0x1.0 mm3 was chosen as a compromise between calculation time, kernel size, and truncation of the stored dose distribution as a function of radial distance from the midpoint of the seed. Good agreement is achieved for a representative pre- and post-plan comparison versus a commercial implementation of the TG-43 brachytherapy dosimetry protocol.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / administration & dosage
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / chemistry
  • Male
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Prostate / radiation effects
  • Radiometry / methods
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / methods*

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes