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Electron dosimetry of irregular fields on the Clinac 18

Journal Article · · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)
A technique has been devised for obtaining irregularly shaped fields for electron beam therapy on a Clinac 18 Linear Accelerator. This technique utilizes low melting point alloy cutouts (''Ostalloy'', containing 50% bismuth, 26.7% lead, 13.3% tin, and 10% cadmium), which fit inside the standard Varian cones. Studies have shown that this method of field shaping does not adversely affect either the field flatness or th percent depth dose distributions. The dosimetry for these irregular fields has been investigated extensively. It has been found that the equivalent area technique generally used in x-ray treatments can be utilized reasonably well to predict the dose for shaped electron fields. Clinical experience with this system over the past year indicates that the setup for initial simulation and subsequent treatments is straightforward, and the time required minimal.
Research Organization:
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
OSTI ID:
6319917
Journal Information:
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 5:3; ISSN IOBPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English