title: Evaluation of a new self-developing instant film for imaging and dosimetry.
abstract: Radiation sensitive films are standard dosimetric tools in radiation therapy. Films are used for machine quality assurance (QA) and treatment planning software evaluation. With the advent of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), simple and fast imaging technology is needed for patient-specific verification of radiation fields. Conventional radiographic films are often used. Radiochromic films, e.g. Gafchromic films, were recently introduced to the market. But these films have some disadvantages. JP Laboratories have developed a prototype radiochromic film, called SIFID (self-developing, instant film for imaging and dosimetry) with superior performance such that SIFID is unaffected by ambient light for months, stable up to 90 degrees C and can be archived. SIFID is made of polymerisable diacetylene. The film develops blue colour instantly upon absorbing radiation. We evaluated the film for radiation therapy applications. Our preliminary data demonstrate its feasibility as a dosimetric tool for IMRT QA as well as for other applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University, 622 W168th Street, New York, NY, USA. yw155@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D003124:Colorimetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005373:Film Dosimetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity