Evaluation of dose distribution of an intraoperative radiotherapy device using thermoluminescent dosimeters and radiographic films

BACKGROUND: To investigate dose distribution of the 5cm spherical applicator of the INTRABEAM™ intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) device via thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) and Radiographic films. Independent dose distribution assessment of IORT devices is considered important. Several methods are described for this purpose, including TLDs and films. However, Radiographic films are not routinely used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty TLDs were used for depth dose measuring and evaluating the isotropy in water. Additionally, the isotropy was assessed separately via Radiographic films in air by drawing isodose curves. RESULTS: TLD measurements showed a steep dose decline which the relative average dose of 0.94 at the applicator surface reduced to 0.32, 0.13, and 0.07 at 1, 2, and 3 cm depths in water, respectively. Some remarkable isodose curves prepared using Radiographic films showed forward anisotropy of the 5 cm applicator. CONCLUSION: A very steep dose decline and approximately isotropic dose distribution of the 5 cm applicator were observed via TLD measurements. Radiographic films showed acceptable potential for drawing dose distribution maps. However, they should be applied in more various radiation setups to be implemented more confidently.