Monte Carlo dose calculation of GZP6 (60)Co stepping source based on a matrix shift technique.

Background: As a routine method for stepping source simulation, a Monte Carlo program is run according to the number of steps and then the summation of dose from each run is taken to obtain total dose distribution. This method is time consuming.

Aim: As an alternative method, a matrix shift based technique was applied to simulate a stepping source for brachytherapy.