The 2D in vivo rectal dosimetry using the ERB with EBT3 films was effective and might be clinically applicable for HDR brachytherapy for cervical and prostate cancers to monitor treatment accuracy and consistency as well as to predict rectal toxicity.
Purpose:
We developed an endorectal balloon for in‐vivo rectal dosimetry in two‐dimensions, and evaluated its dosimetric properties for the radiation treatment of prostate cancer.
Methods:
The endorectal balloon for in‐vivo rectal dosimetry is equipped with a radiochromic film so that two‐dimensional dose distribution can be measured in the rectal wall. The film is unrolled as the balloon is inflated, and it is rolled as the balloon is deflated. The outer diameter of the balloon is about 14 mm before inflating it, but its outer diameter can be increased up to about 50 mm after inflating it with 80 ml distilled water. The size of the film is 80(L) × 64(W) mm2, so large as to measure a dose distribution of an anterior half of the rectal wall. After it was inserted into a fabricated rectal phantom, the phantom was scanned by a CT scanner and 5 Gy was delivered to a target inside the phantom with a 15 MV photon beam in AP direction. Finally, the dose distribution measured in the endorectal balloon was compared with that of the treatment plan.
Results:
The two dose distributions were compared each other in the parallel and the perpendicular directions along an axis of the balloon. The two dose profiles analyzed from the radiochromic film agreed well with the plan within 3% for 15 MV photon beam.
Conclusion:
An endorectal balloon for two‐dimensional in‐vivo rectal dosimetry was developed and its dosimetric effectiveness was evaluated for the radiation treatment of prostate cancer. The measured dose distributions showed good agreement with the plans.
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