Effects of beam modifiers and immobilization devices on the dose in the build-up region Journal Article
| Authors: | Fontenla, D. P.; Napoli, J. J.; Hunt, M.; Fass, D.; McCormick, B.; Kutcher, G. J. |
| Article Title: | Effects of beam modifiers and immobilization devices on the dose in the build-up region |
| Abstract: | Purpose: To analyze the effect that immobilization devices used in conjunction with beam modifiers may have on the dose to the skin and build-up region. Methods and Materials: Central axis depth dose measurements were made in a polystyrene phantom in the build-up regions using the 6 and 15 MV photon beams, at two different source-to-phantom distances, and various field sizes. The effects of acrylic blocking trays, lead wedges, and cerrobend blocks were assessed in conjunction with the enhancement of dose in the build-up region due to immobilizing devices using plaster and thermoplastic casting materials of different thicknesses. Results: For the 6 MV photons, solid (3 mm) thermoplastic casting material was found to have the greatest effect on surface dose: for a 12 × 12 cm field we measured 79% of maximum dose when treating through the material versus 22% of maximum dose when no beam modifiers or immobilization devices are used. Measurements were also made to evaluate the effect of the immobilization of patients receiving three-dimensional conformal treatments using a 15 MV photon beam. Conclusions: The relevance of these results to treatments in the pelvis, breast, and head and neck regions is discussed. For 6 MV beams, special consideration should be given if the need arises to treat through the immobilization device, as unacceptable skin reactions may result. © 1994. |
| Keywords: | pelvis; models, biological; breast; dose-response relationship, radiation; radiation dosage; skin; lymph node; neck; collimator; radiotherapy planning, computer-assisted; polystyrene; phantom; photon; radiotherapy, high-energy; immobilization; radiation protection; head; skin dose; beam therapy; radiation depth dose; immobilization devices; human; priority journal; article; beam modifiers; build-up dose; plaster cast |
| Journal Title: | International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics |
| Volume: | 30 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| ISSN: | 0360-3016 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 1994-08-30 |
| Start Page: | 211 |
| End Page: | 219 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/0360-3016(94)90537-1 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 8083116 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Export Date: 14 January 2019 -- Article -- Source: Scopus |
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