Feasibility study of a lead-monoxide-based dosimeter for real-time radioactive source detection in HDR brachytherapy
Abstract
Recently, cancer has been treated using high dose rates (HDRs), which requires highly reliable treatment plans. In current clinical practice, phosphors are widely used. However, these are of limited use for real-time verification of radiation during HDR brachytherapy; moreover, there is a possibility of electrical error via high-energy radiation because a photodiode is used to detect visible light. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new dosimeter that can detect gamma rays effectively. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a lead monoxide- (PbO)-based dosimeter to detect the position of a radioactive source in HDR brachytherapy. It was confirmed that the fabricated PbO dosimeter has sufficient response coincidence, reproducibility, and dose linearity for gamma rays. Based on these results, it is demonstrated that the PbO dosimeter complies with the general requirements of HDR brachytherapy monitoring systems. Thus, the PbO dosimeter is expected to be used commercially in the future.
- Publication:
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Journal of Instrumentation
- Pub Date:
- May 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1088/1748-0221/14/05/P05001
- Bibcode:
- 2019JInst..14P5001K