An independent dose-to-point calculation program for the verification of high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment planning.
OBJECTIVE
We describe computer software that performs, quickly and accurately, secondary dose calculations for high-dose-rate (HDR) treatment plans, including those employed for prostate treatments.


METHODS
The program takes as primary input the data file used by the HDR remote afterloader console for treatment. Dosimetric calculations are performed using the Meisberger polynomial and the anisotropy table for the HDR Iridium-192 source. For standard applicators, treatment geometry is automatically reconstructed and the dose is calculated at relevant reference point(s). Template-based treatment plans (e.g., prostate) require additional user input; the dose calculation is then performed at user-selected reference points. A total dwell time calculation for volume and planar implants using the Manchester tables was also implemented.


RESULTS
For fixed-geometry HDR procedures, secondary dose calculations are within 2% of the treatment plan, and results are available for review instantly. For more general applications, the calculated and planned doses are typically within 3% at the prescription isodose line. The Manchester-based dwell time calculation is within 10% of the planned time.
Cohen
G N
GN
Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA, coheng@mskcc.org
Amols
H I
HI
Zaider
M
M
D000465:Algorithms; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D055585:Physical Phenomena; D010825:Physics; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes