Adaptation of telecobalt unit for stereotactic irradiation
- Department of Radiotherapy, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004 (India)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE (United States)
We investigated the feasibility of using an isocentric telecobalt unit for advanced treatment techniques, such as stereotactic radiotherapy. To adapt the telecobalt unit (Th780 C) for stereotactic irradiation, collimator inserts of various sizes, collimator mount, and a couch mount suitable for the telecobalt unit were developed, and the characteristics of the narrow beams of Cobalt-60 ({sup 60}Co) were studied. Comparative study was carried out between the stereotactic radiotherapy plans of 6 MV and {sup 60}Co beams using a 3-dimensional (3D) treatment planning system. The beam penumbra of {sup 60}Co beams was found to be larger than those of 6 MV beams. The dose-volume histograms (DVH) obtained from the {sup 60}Co beam plan were comparable to those obtained from the 6 MV plan. The DVH of nontarget tissue obtained from the plans of the 2 beams were found to be in good agreement to each other. The difference in equivalent fall-off distance (EFOD) for all 3 cases was found insignificant; hence, it can be concluded that the fall-off dose in the dose distribution of the {sup 60}Co stereotactic plan is as good as that of the 6 MV stereotactic plan. In all 3 cases for which the treatment plans were compared between {sup 60}Co and 6 MV beams, it was observed that the fall-off doses outside the target were similar; therefore, considering {sup 60}Co with 5-mm margin is a cost effective alternative for the linac-based stereotactic radiotherapy.
- OSTI ID:
- 20975202
- Journal Information:
- Medical Dosimetry, Vol. 32, Issue 1; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.meddos.2006.11.001; PII: S0958-3947(06)00173-7; Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0958-3947
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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