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. 2006 Apr;2(2):e34.
doi: 10.2349/biij.2.2.e34. Epub 2006 Apr 1.

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy quality assurance: a practical guide

D A Wilkinson  1
Affiliations

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy quality assurance: a practical guide

D A Wilkinson. Biomed Imaging Interv J. 2006 Apr.

Abstract

The widespread adoption of high dose rate brachytherapy with its inherent dangers necessitates adoption of appropriate quality assurance measures to minimize risks to both patients and medical staff. This paper is aimed at assisting someone who is establishing a new program or revising one already in place into adhere to the recently issued Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USA) regulations and the guidelines from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Keywords: High dose rate brachytherapy; quality assurance.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of HDR applicators used for lung, rectal, and gynecologic diseases.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Photograph of a ring applicator secured to a base plate with film taped securely in place.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Autoradiograph of a 3 cm ring showing 5 dwell positions (1,5,9,13,17) as well as the intervening dummy markers (unnumbered arrows). Dwell positions are for the 0.5 cm step-size.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Spot-check form used each day of patient treatment. A downloadable version is available at http://www.biij.org/2006/2/e34/fig4.asp
Figure 5
Figure 5
Source decay on physicist-generated spreadsheet (left) and printout from the HDR control console (right). The actual numbers for the particular treatment date are 36772 and 36754 mGy m2 h-1 (respectively).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Exposure rate meter mounted on a wall in the treatment room so as to be visible from the entrance way.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Full calibration spreadsheet with actual calibration data. A downloadable version is available at http://www.biij.org/2006/2/e34/fig7.asp
Figure 8
Figure 8
Source position ruler showing white plastic indicator (red circle).
Figure 9
Figure 9
Source position accuracy test showing a well-aligned ruler, transfer tube, and afterloader (left) and a set-up with a large curvature.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission [Web Page] Available at http://www.nrc.gov.
    1. Nath R, Anderson LL, Meli JA, et al. Code of practice for brachytherapy physics: report of the AAPM Radiation Therapy Committee Task Group No. 56. American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Med Phys. 1997;24(10):1557–98. - PubMed
    1. Kubo HD, Glasgow GP, Pethel TD, et al. High dose-rate brachytherapy treatment delivery: report of the AAPM Radiation Therapy Committee Task Group No. 59. Med Phys. 1998;25(4):375–403. - PubMed
    1. Venselaar J, Perez-Calataynd J, editors. A practical guide to quality control of brachytherapy equipment [Web Page] 2004. Available at http://www.estro.be.

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