Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of in vivo dosimetry using microMOSFET dosimeters in patients treated with brachytherapy using two types of gynecological applicators.
Methods And Materials: In this study, a microMOSFET was placed in an empty needle of an Utrecht Interstitial Fletcher applicator or MUPIT (Martinez Universal Perineal Interstitial Template) applicator for independent verification of treatment delivery. Measurements were performed in 10 patients, with one to three microMOSFETs per applicator and repeated for one to four fractions, resulting in 50 in vivo measurements. Phantom measurements were used to determine characteristics of the microMOSFETs.
Results: Phantom measurements showed a linear relationship between dose and microMOSFET threshold voltage, and a calibration coefficient (mV/cGy) was determined. Reproducibility of repeated 50 cGy irradiations was 2% (1 standard deviation). Distance and angle dependencies were measured and correction factors were determined. Subsequently, three microMOSFETs were placed in a phantom to measure a validation plan. The difference between predicted and measured dose was less than the measurement uncertainty (±9%, 2 standard deviations). In vivo measurements were corrected for distance and angle dependencies. Differences between predicted and measured dose in the patients were smaller than the measurement uncertainty for the majority of the measurements.
Conclusions: In vivo dosimetry using microMOSFETs in MUPIT and Utrecht Interstitial Fletcher applicators has proved to be feasible. Reimaging should be performed after detection of differences larger than 10% between predicted and measured dose to verify the applicator configuration. Movement of the applicator relative to the target or organs at risk is undetectable with this method.
The calibration and application of a facility, based on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis (EDXRF) using 109Cd as an excitation source, for in vivo and in vitro estimation of Ca, Pb, Sr and Zn in tooth enamel is described. During the in vivo measurements, the device ensures tissue protection of face and mouth cavity from radiation, and only a small part of tooth surface under study is irradiated. To calibrate the facility, the contents of Ca, Sr and Zn were analyzed simultaneously in the enamel of 50 teeth by EDXRF and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA).
