Program Information
Improvements to Total Body Irradiation Dosimetry Efficiency with EBT3 Radiochromic Film and a Template System
M Butson*, D Pope , M Whitaker , Chris O'Brien LifeHouse, Sydney, NSW
Presentations
SU-E-T-475 (Sunday, July 12, 2015) 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Room: Exhibit Hall
Purpose: Total Body Irradiation (TBI) treatments are mainly used in a preparative regimen for haematopoietic stem cell (or bone marrow) transplantation. Our standard regimen is a 12 Gy / 6 fraction bi-daily technique. To evaluate the delivered dose homogeneity to the patient, EBT3 Gafchromic film is positioned at the head, neck, chest, pelvis and groin for all fractions. A system has been developed to simply and accurately prepare and readout the films for patient dose assessment.
Methods: A process involving easy preparation and analysis has been produced to minimise the time requirements for TBI dosimetry. One sheet of EBT3 film is used to prepare treatment dosimeters for all fractions, including calibration films, and an automated dose analysis system for easy evaluation and calculation of estimated in-vivo doses was developed. A desktop scanner is used with a dedicated TBI film template to accurately position the films for Image J analysis and extraction. Dental wax bolus and zip-lock bag holders are used to hold the EBT3 film in place during irradiation.
Results: To adequately provide dosimetry information for a 6 fraction, TBI patient, only one sheet of Gafchromic EBT3 film is required. The dosimeters are cut, using a template, into 19 mm squares which are then placed between two 30 mm x 30 mm x 4.5 mm wax blocks for bolus. All packages are prepared before the first treatment fraction. The scanning and analysis process can be completed in less than 10 minutes after a 240 min development period. Results have shown that a high level of accuracy and reproducibility can be achieved using the template system provided.
Conclusion: Gafchromic EBT3 film provides an adequate in-vivo dosimetry measure for TBI patients. Using a template based system on a dedicated desktop scanner, in-vivo results can be ascertained quickly and accurately.
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