title: Dosimetric evaluation of a variable energy superficial X-ray machine with applications for endocavitary radiotherapy techniques.
abstract: This investigation presents the beam characteristics of a newly-marketed variable energy superficial X ray machine for radiotherapy. The X ray system hardware, including a high voltage generator, and console software allow for nine independent operator-selected X ray beams from 10-150 kVp. Filament current values are also independently variable; 1.0-13.0 mA for 90-150 kVp, and 1.0-30.0 mA for 10-90 kVp. The HVL's, effective energies, and radiation outputs for the nine combinations of kVp and mA are presented. In addition, percentage depth dose and beam uniformity results are presented as a function of cone size. Radiation output stability and reproducibility results are included. Discussion of adaptation of this X ray system to the Papillon technique for the treatment of rectal cancers is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Coffey
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Maruyama
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy