Variable-length Brachytherapy Source Dosimetry

Novel dosimetry and new directions for low-energy photon-emitting elongated brachytherapy sources
Graduate Investigator: Joshua Reed
Low dose rate brachytherapy often involves the implant of low-energy photon-emitting sources into the treatment volume. Each source model must be characterized individually because the dose distributions around these sources are dependent on the radioisotope, source materials, and source geometry. The AAPM TG-43U1 protocol for brachytherapy dosimetry recommends that new source models be characterized through both experimental and Monte Carlo methods prior to use in patient treatments. This work focuses on experimental and Monte Carlo characterization of a new polymer-encapsulated 103Pd source that will be available in lengths from 1 to 6 cm in integer lengths of 1 cm. The results of this work will be used to facilitate accurate treatment planning with these sources.