195. Electronic Brachytherapy in clinical practice: Implementation and comparison against conventional techniques and electron montecarlo algorithm

Abstract

Purpose Electronic Brachytherapy (EBX), a technique that utilizes miniaturized X-Rays source, is gaining ground in radiotherapy treatment in presence of small superficial lesions. This work focuses on acceptance test, commissioning, clinical implementation and dosimetric features of the novel EBX system Esteya® (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). Methods Flatness and symmetry of X-ray beams have been evaluated according IEC60976 using a high definition 2D array equipped of liquid filled ionization chambers (SRS 1000, PTW, Germany). Half Value Layer (HVL), PDD and absolute dose have been measured for each applicator with a soft X-ray parallel plate chamber (T34013 PTW, Germany) and solid water according to IAEA TRS 398 [1] . Dose distributions have been compared with the ones calculated for conventional electron treatments. Calculations have been carried out in a virtual water phantom by electron montecarlo (eMc) algorithm implemented in a commercial TPS (Monaco v. 5.11, Elekta) for each applicator. Results Flatness, symmetry and penumbra showed excellent performance even if compared with eMC plans. Build up absence and PDDs slopes allow good homogeneity for coverage in superficial targets. Conclusions Shielding requirements, patient compliance and global management of Electronic brachytherapy sources are well known advantages [2] . This study demonstrated that EBX could be a valid alternative to electron treatment in case of small skin lesions also from a dosimetric point of view.