Beta voxel S values for internal emitter dosimetry

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy Physics
• Computational Dosimetry

Background:

• Accurate dosimetry is crucial for effective internal radiotherapy.
• Calculating voxel S values for beta emitters requires sophisticated methods.
• Existing Monte Carlo simulations can be computationally intensive and require specialized expertise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computationally efficient method for calculating voxel S values for beta emissions.
• To provide a user-friendly tool for laboratories to determine S values for internal radiotherapy planning.
• To enable flexible calculations for various imaging parameters (SPECT/PET) and radionuclide combinations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Monte Carlo volume integration of dose point kernels.
• Calculated voxel S values for beta emissions from selected radionuclides.
• Verified the algorithm by comparing results with established Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations.
• Implemented the algorithm in a C++ program.

Main Results:

• The developed method accurately calculates voxel S values for beta emissions.
• Results showed good agreement with data from direct Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations.
• The C++ program successfully computes S values for diverse voxel dimensions and imaging parameters.
• The algorithm simplifies the process, reducing the need for extensive computational resources and expertise.

Conclusions:

• The Monte Carlo volume integration method provides a reliable and accessible approach for calculating voxel S values.
• The C++ program offers a practical tool for radiotherapy centers to perform internal dosimetry.
• This method enhances the feasibility of precise dose calculations in internal radiotherapy planning.