Dose-volume characteristics of a 50-kV electronic brachytherapy source for intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe dose-volume data from a 50-kV electronic brachytherapy source in intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation.


METHODS
Three spherical balloon applicators were imaged on a CT scanner in a water phantom and inflated throughout their suggested fill volume range. The planning target volume (PTV) was defined as a 1-cm margin around the balloon surface. Plans were created achieving 80%, 85%, and 90% coverage of the PTV, with a prescription dose of 34Gy in 10 fractions. The PTV, V(90), V(100), V(150), V(200), and V(300) were recorded for each plan.


RESULTS
For 80% target coverage, the V(200) varies from 11 to 14 cm(3) and the V(150) from 26 to 49 cm(3) over all the balloon applicators and fill volumes. For 85% coverage, the V(200) varies from 14 to 18 cm(3) and the V(150) from 27 to 53 cm(3). For 90% coverage, the V(200) varies from 16 to 22 cm(3) and the V(150)cm(3) from 30 to 61 cm(3).


CONCLUSIONS
Fifty-kilovolt electronic brachytherapy can provide PTV coverage similar to (192)Ir in the setting of intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation.
Smitt
Melanie C
MC
Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. melanies94028@yahoo.com
Kirby
Rob
R
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001940:Breast; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome