Dosimetric properties of an applicator system for intraoperative electron-beam therapy utilizing a Clinac-18 accelerator

Journal Article · · Med. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1118/1.595162· OSTI ID:6687471

McCullough, E C; Anderson, J A

A prototype electron applicator system providing circular and rectangular fields for use in intraoperative electron beam therapy with a Varian Clinac 18 linear accelerator has been fabricated. The dosimetric properties of this system for a variety of electron-beam energies, applicator sizes, and x-ray collimator settings was documented. Significant findings include: (a) surface dose values are in excess of 90% for electron energies of 12 MeV and above; (b) for the 18-MeV beam, the deepest depth where the central axis dose in 90% of its maximum value is in excess of 50 mm for circular applicators whose diameters are in excess of 5 cm; and (c) the treatment time to deliver 1000 rads given dose (at given dose rate of 300 MU/min) is on the order of 3-4 min. Cross-field behavior is acceptable for the intended application and x-ray contamination is less than 4% for any applicator/electron energy combination. A system for irregular field blocking and TLD verification dosimetry has been developed.

• Research Organization: Division of Radiation Therapy, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation, Rochester, MN
• OSTI ID: 6687471
• Journal Information: Med. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Med. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 9:2; ISSN MPHYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
655003* -- Medical Physics-- Dosimetry
ACCELERATORS
BEAMS
BIOPHYSICS
DEPTH DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
DESIGN
DOSIMETRY
ELECTRON BEAMS
LEPTON BEAMS
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PARTICLE BEAMS
PATIENTS
PERFORMANCE
RADIATION DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SPATIAL DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
THERAPY