[Polymer gel dosimetry--the dose response for X-ray irradiation]

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Sciences
• Polymer Science

Context:

• Polymer gel dosimetry is a promising clinical tool but faces challenges in Japan due to high costs and limited domestic production of existing detectors like BANG gel.
• Instability and difficulty in controlling dose sensitivity under clinical conditions hinder the widespread adoption of current polymer gel dosimeters.

Purpose:

• To develop and evaluate novel, in-house fabricated polymer gel dosimeters (MAG and PAG) for clinical X-ray dosimetry.
• To assess the dose response characteristics of MAG and PAG gels using MRI and X-ray CT scanning.
• To explore the potential of these new gels for overcoming limitations of current polymer gel dosimetry.

Summary:

• This study details the fabrication of two new polymer gel dosimeters, MAG and PAG. The dose responses of both gels to X-ray irradiation were evaluated using MRI and X-ray CT.
• MAG-type gel exhibits high sensitivity (R2) suitable for low-contrast dosimetry, while PAG-type gel shows reproducible dose responses (CT value) independent of irradiation conditions, making it effective for multiple field irradiations.

Impact:

• The development of MAG and PAG gels provides a more accessible and stable option for polymer gel dosimetry in Japan.
• These novel gels have the potential to significantly advance the clinical application of polymer gel dosimetry, improving radiation therapy accuracy and patient safety.