Highlights
- •Flat and surface applicators of a low X-ray miniature accelerator were characterized.
- •Characterization was made in standard and more clinical conditions for skin treatment.
- •Flat and surface applicators have different behaviors.
- •Surface applicators can be used to treat superficial lesions.
- •Close contact between applicator and skin must be achieved.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at characterizing the dosimetric behavior of an INTRABEAM® miniature accelerator equipped with flat and surface applicators, converting the
spherical dose distribution into a flat one.
Methods
Dosimetric characterization was carried out in two steps. Firstly characterization
was made in standard conditions for dermatologic applications, which is with the applicator
directly on contact with the skin. Secondly, characterization was made in more clinical
conditions, such as obliquities and heterogeneities.
Results
Behaviors of flat and surface applicators are different. Dose distribution for surface
applicators is uniform at surface, whereas for flat applicator the maximum homogeneity
is shown at a particular depth in water. Some results are different from previously
published studies due to differences in the X-ray source design. The study showed
that in the absence of a perfect contact between the applicator and the skin of the
patient, there is a dose distribution spread on the edge of the irradiation field
where the contact is not made. Dose loss due to lack of backscatter radiations is
significant. By contrast, influence of a denser material behind the measurement point
has no significant influence on the dose at this point. Thickness of tissue treated
with flat and surface applicators is only a few millimeters, depending on the applicator's
size, making these applicators ideal for superficial lesions, compared to high energy
electrons and iridium brachytherapy.
Conclusions
The INTRABEAM® miniature accelerator equipped with surface applicators is a reliable way of treating
superficial cutaneous malignancies.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 13, 2015
Accepted:
January 20,
2015
Received in revised form:
January 17,
2015
Received:
November 16,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
