Gd. Lambert et al., The use of high density metal foils to increase surface dose in low-energyclinical electron beams, RADIOTH ONC, 53(2), 1999, pp. 161-166
Citations number
8
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging","Onconogenesis & Cancer Research
Background and Purpose: This paper describes a practical method of elevatin
g the surface dose of clinical electron beams in the energy range 3-12 MeV
using thin high density metal foils (tin and lead) as an alternative to tis
sue equivalent bolus. Because, relative to water, these materials exhibit a
high scattering power to stopping power ratio, the desired dose elevation
may be achieved with less energy loss than conventional bolus and consequen
tly a gain in therapeutic interval.
Methods: The foil thickness required to raise the surface dose to 90% off p
eak. for a given electron energy, was calculated using published scattering
and stopping power data. An empirical expression is derived to facilitate:
calculation of foil thickness (tin or lead) to produce a given surface dos
e.
Results and Conclusions: Measurements were made to confirm the predictions
of the derived expression and were found to be in good agreement. (C) 1999
Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.