[Revision of the radium isodose atlas of Göttingen with a new calculation method]

Abstract

The Radium Isodose Atlas of Göttingen was recalculated after having established a new computer program for the determination of dose distributions around intracavitary radium inserts. The program takes into consideration the complicated structure of the radium applicators type Buchler. The exactness of the program was checked by computing known radium sources and by detailed measures. The calculated dose values were reduced by 30% on an average with respect to the original measurements. This difference is explained mainly by the dependence on energy of the Cds dosimeter used at that time (1959). The clinically evaluated dose has not been changed (identical milligram element hours), however, a comparison of radium doses with other hospitals and with an additional percutaneous irradiation has become possible by the recalculation. Point A has been redefined according to international practice.