MO-D-T-6E-08: Derivation of the Relative Biological Effectiveness of High Dose Rate 252Cf Brachytherapy

Spectroscopic characterization of a novel electronic brachytherapy system

“…However, there is little published data on the x-ray spectrum (Rivard et al 2006), which is particularly important for the radiobiological effects of low energy photons (Reniers and Verhaegen 2006). Furthermore, there is a need to establish the reliability of electronic brachytherapy sources (Rivard et al 2005). With a typical source lifetime of 2.5 h, changes to the x-ray beam during the treatment may occur.…”

“…Electronic brachytherapy has developed over the past 20 years amidst safety and security concerns regarding the use of radioactive isotopes (Rivard et al 2005). Instead of using radionuclide-based sources, electronic brachytherapy systems (EBSs) generate radiation using kilovoltage x-ray tubes.…”

“…Additional advantages of EBSs include the ability to adjust the dosimetric properties (by adjusting the operating voltage) and the dose rate. As most EBSs are either under development or undergoing clinical trials, their clinical use is yet to be proven and protocols specific to EBSs have yet to be established (Rivard et al 2005). Electronic brachytherapy sources tend to be larger in size compared to high dose rate (HDR) 192 Ir brachytherapy sources and there are also concerns about source variability and manufacturing tolerances.…”

“…Several EBSs have been developed for various treatment sites (Beatty et al 1996, Dinsmore et al 1996, Gutman et al 2004, Rivard et al 2005. These systems generate electrons or photons outside the patient and direct these particles into the tumor.…”