New Standard Could Improve Safety of Eye Cancer Radiation Therapy
Researchers have developed the first standardized method to independently verify radiation doses delivered by eye cancer treatment devices, addressing a gap that has forced clinicians to rely solely on manufacturer data. The framework could reshape quality assurance protocols across hospitals and improve treatment accuracy for thousands of patients annually.
Originaltitel: Independent verification of vendor‐issued dosimetric data for <sup>106</sup> Ru brachytherapy using diode detectors with traceability to external beam standards for absorbed dose to water
Abstract Background Independent verification of the manufacturer‐provided dosimetry data for 106 Ru ophthalmic brachytherapy applicators is crucial for safe and accurate treatment, yet a standardized, traceable method for clinical absolute dosimetry has been lacking. Purpose This work establishes a complete framework for traceable absorbed dose to water measurements of 106 Ru eye plaques in absolute units of Gray, complementing the high‐precision BetaCheck‐106™ setup with a robust detector calibration methodology independent of the source manufacturer. Methods Three microSilicon diode detectors were calibrated in traceable 60 Co and 6 MeV electron reference beams. Depth‐dose measurements for four CCB‐type 106 Ru plaques were performed in water using the BetaCheck‐106™ setup. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed to calculate depth‐dependent beam quality correction factors which account for the detector's response in the 106 Ru field relative to the calibration beams. The method was validated against measurements performed at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) using alanine dosimetry. MC simulations were also used to investigate the water‐equivalence of the NPL alanine/PMMA phantom setup. Results The MC‐calculated correction factors for the diodes showed a significant depth‐dependence, underscoring the necessity of such corrections in the steep 106 Ru depth‐dose gradient. The dose rates determined with the calibrated diodes were in agreement with the NPL alanine results. Both methods yielded dose rates systematically lower than those provided in the manufacturer's certificates, though generally within the stated uncertainties. The MC simulations revealed substantial non‐water equivalence correction factors for the alanine/PMMA phantom, highlighting the advantage of direct measurements in water. Conclusions We present a novel, comprehensive methodology for independent and traceable absolute dosimetry of 106 Ru applicators. By combining a dedicated water phantom setup with diode detectors calibrated against external beam standards and MC‐derived correction factors, this framework empowers clinical users to perform robust verification measurements, filling a critical gap in the quality assurance of ocular brachytherapy.