Empirical dosimetric characterization of model I125-SL 125iodine brachytherapy source in phantom

Low-energy photon emitting radionuclides encapsulated for a permanent implant are routinely applied in prostate cancer brachytherapy. Before clinical use, a new source design requires full dosimetric analysis and calibration standardization. The results of one such experimental measurement and analysis are reported here for a new design of 125I source, model I125-SL. Dose measurements were made using standard methods employing thermoluminscent dosimeters in a water equivalent plastic phantom, in accord with the AAPM Task Group #43 recommendation of liquid water reference material. Precision machined bores in the phantom located dosimeters and source(s) in a reproducible fixed geometry providing for transverse-axis and angular dose profiles over a range of distances from 0.17 to 10 cm. The data were analyzed in terms of parameters recommended by AAPM TG43. The dose-rate constant, lambda, was evaluated by two methods, the first with reference to a 60Cobalt standard, accounting for response variation with photon energy spectrum. Second, the dose-rate constant was determined with reference to phantom measurements using NIST traceable calibrated model 6702 and 6711 sources. The radial dose function, g(r), the anisotropy function, F(r,theta), the anisotropy factor, phi(an)(r), and the point-source approximation anisotropy constant, phi(an), were derived from one- and two-dimensional dose distribution data measured in the phantom, accounting for finite dosimeter volume and with attention to interchip effects. The results are compared to TG43 and other existing data for 125I sources. The new source is comparable to the model 6711 source design.