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EGSnrc-based depth-dependent photon energy response and phantom scatter corrections for low-energy brachytherapy sources

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Abstract

In the present study, beam quality correction, \(k_{{Q,Q_{0} }} (r)\), and phantom scatter correction, kphan(r), for low-energy brachytherapy sources, 131Cs, 125I, and 103Pd, are calculated using the Monte Carlo-based EGSnrc code system as a function of the distance along the transverse axis of the source. The solid-state detectors investigated are diamond, LiF, Li2B4O7, Al2O3, and radiochromic films, such as HS, EBT, EBT2, EBT3, RTQA, XRT, and XRQA. The solid phantoms investigated are polystyrene, PMMA, virtual water, solid water, plastic water (LR), A150, RW1, RW3, and WE210. For a given detector and brachytherapy source, \(k_{{Q,Q_{0} }} (r)\) is independent of distance in the water phantom. Meanwhile, for a given detector, kphan(r) depends on the distance from the source for the investigated solid phantoms. Moreover, the kphan(r) values do not change with the detector type for sources 131Cs, 125I, and 103Pd at all distances. The LR and A150 phantoms are water equivalent for the investigated distances of 1–5 cm. The phantoms including solid water, virtual water, and WE210 are not water-equivalent for distances beyond 1 cm. Furthermore, PMMA, polystyrene, RW1, and RW3 are not water equivalent.

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Acknowledgements

Authors wish to thank Dr. B. K. Sapra, Head, Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, for her encouragement and support throughout the studies.

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  1. Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India

    Subhalaxmi Mishra & T. Palani Selvam

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Mumbai, 400 094, India

    Subhalaxmi Mishra & T. Palani Selvam

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Mishra, S., Selvam, T.P. EGSnrc-based depth-dependent photon energy response and phantom scatter corrections for low-energy brachytherapy sources. Radiol Phys Technol 13, 256–267 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12194-020-00578-z

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