title: Miniature LiF:Mg,Cu,P TLDs to study the effect of applicator material in 192-Ir brachytherapy.
abstract: Dose calculations in brachytherapy planning typically don't take into account inhomogeneities and the material of applicators. We evaluated the justification of the latter by investigating the dose delivered in 192-Ir interstitial implants employing plastic catheters and steel needles using miniature LiF:Mg,Cu,P thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) which fit in the applicators. Within the uncertainty of the measurement (+/- 5%) no difference could be found in the dose distribution from 192Ir in steel needles or plastic catheters. Computerized treatment planning (Philips/ADAC Pinnacle) was in good agreement with the measured data.
authors.affiliation: University of Newcastle, Division of Physics, Callaghan NSW 2038, Australia.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hood
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Duggan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bazley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Denham
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kron
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002404:Catheterization; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005459:Fluorides / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008904:Miniaturization; D009339:Needles; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes; D018020:Lithium Compounds; C027651:lithium fluoride; D005459:Fluorides