Calculation of dose decrease in a finite phantom of a 192Ir point source.

The purpose of this study was to calculate the dose decrease in a finite phantom of a 192Ir-point source by using a new algorithm based on field theory. The methods used included the phenomenological application of the principle "mirror image of an electric point source in front of a dielectric semi-plateau" to a radioactive source in a finite phantom results in a function to calculate the dose decrease near the surface. Measurements were done in a water phantom in three different experimental setups.

Quality assurance of brachytherapy afterloaders using a multi-slit phantom.

Brachytherapy is a very successful treatment option for many different tumors. Consequently the quality assurance (QA) of afterloaders is of special interest. For many quality checks verification films are essential.

High-dose-rate (HDR) or pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) perioperative interstitial intensity-modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) for local recurrences of previously irradiated breast or thoracic wall following breast cancer.

Purpose: In patients receiving salvage high-dose-rate (HDR) or pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy for a local recurrence on the chest wall or in the previously treated breast, clinical outcome and benefit were investigated. All patients had previously been treated with full-dose adjuvant external-beam irradiation (EBRT). Disease-free interval after salvage treatment, local tumor control and side effects were analyzed retrospectively.

Comparison of CT- and radiograph-based post-implant dosimetry for transperineal 125I prostate brachytherapy using single seeds and a commercial treatment-planning software.

Background And Purpose: The objective of this investigation was a direct comparison of the dosimetry of CT-based and radiograph- based postplanning procedures for seed implants.

Patients And Methods: CT- and radiograph-based postplans were carried out for eight iodine-125 ((125)I) seed implant patients with a commercial treatment-planning system (TPS). To assess a direct comparison of the dosimetric indices (D90, V100, V400), the radiograph-based seed coordinates were transformed to the coordinate system of the CT postplan.

Feasibility and preliminary outcome of salvage combined HDR brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for local recurrences after radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: Feasibility of combined fractionated intensity modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as well as the effect of local dose escalation was investigated in a non-randomized retrospective observation trial for histologically-proven macroscopic local recurrences of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

Methods And Materials: Thirty-five patients with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) detectable tumors were treated. Applied dose per IMBT fraction was 15 Gy, prescribed on the target (TRUS visible tumor) surface.