[Dosimetric Characteristics of a Real Time Shapeable Tungsten Containing Rubber with Electron Beams].

PURPOSE

This study investigated the dosimetric characteristics of electron beams shaped with a real-time shapeable tungsten-containing rubber (STR) collimator.

METHODS

Circular irradiation fields of 40 mm diameter were shaped using STR or low melting-point alloy (LMA) placed on the electron applicator. The STR heated with approximately 70-degree warm water was molded into the template bottom of the applicator. Percent depth doses (PDDs) and lateral dose profiles of 6 and 12 MeV electron beams were measured and compared between STR and LMA. For the PDDs, the depths of maximum dose (d), 90% dose (d), and 80% dose (d) were evaluated. For the lateral dose profiles, penumbra as the width of the off-axis distance from 80% to 20% doses and treatment diameter covering over 90% dose were evaluated at the surface, d, d, and d. The transmission of the STR was also investigated at thicknesses fit to electron applicator for 6 and 12 MeV electron beams.

RESULTS

The STR was softened with 70-degree warm water. Therefore, it was easy to mold it and attach the applicator. The PDDs and penumbras at the surface, d, d, and d for the STR were almost equal to those for the LMA with 6 and 12 MeV electron beams. The treatment diameters covering over 90% dose for the irradiation fields with 40 mm diameter at d (LMA vs. STR) were 20.9 vs. 21.1 mm and 19.2 vs. 18.4 mm for 6 and 12 MeV electron beams, respectively. The transmission of the STR was almost same as that of LMA.

CONCLUSIONS

The dosimetric characteristics of the STR on the electron applicator were almost same as those of the LMA. The heated STR was shaped easily, flexibly, and immediately. The STR can be used as a substitute for LMA in electron radiotherapy.