title: Evaluation of Gafchromic EBT2 film for the measurement of anisotropy function for high-dose-rate (192)Ir brachytherapy source with respect to thermoluminescent dosimetry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of the use of a Gafchromic EBT2 film for the measurement of anisotropy function for microSelectron HDR (192)Ir (classic) source with a comparative dosimetry method using a Gafchromic EBT2 film and thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Sealed linear radiation sources are commonly used for high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatments. Due to self-absorption and oblique filtration of radiation in the source capsule material, an inherent anisotropy is present in the dose distribution around the source which can be described by a measurable two-dimensional anisotropy function, F(r, θ).
  
  
  METHODS
  Measurements were carried out in a specially designed and locally fabricated PMMA phantom with provisions to accommodate miniature LiF TLD rods and EBT2 film dosimeters at identical radial distances with respect to the (192)Ir source.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data of anisotropy function generated by the use of the Gafchromic EBT2 film method are in agreement with their TLD measured values within 4%. The produced data are also consistent with their experimental and Monte Carlo calculated results for this source available in the literature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gafchromic EBT2 film was found to be a feasible dosimeter in determining anisotropy in the dose distribution of (192)Ir source. It offers high resolution and is a viable alternative to TLD dosimetry at discrete points. The method described in this paper is useful for comparing the performances of detectors and can be applied for other brachytherapy sources as well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jolly Grant, Dehradun 248140, India.
authors.forename: Satish C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Uniyal
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, H N B Garhwal Central University, Campus Pauri, Pauri (Garhwal), Uttarakhand 246001, India.
authors.forename: Umesh C
authors.initials: UC
authors.lastname: Naithani
authors.affiliation: Radiological Physics & Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, CT & CRS Building, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
authors.forename: Sunil D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Sharma
keywords: Anisotropy function; Gafchromic EBT2 film; HDR 192Ir source; TL dosimetry