Radiotherapy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Radiotherapy, including details on cancer treatment, side effects.

Addendum to the IPEMB code of practice for the determination of absorbed dose for x-rays below 300 kV generating potential (0.035 mm Al-4 mm Cu HVL).

Aukett RJ, Burns JE, Greener AG, Harrison RM, Moretti C, Nahum AE, Rosser KE,

Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1ES, UK.

This addendum to the code of practice for the determination of absorbed dose for x-rays below 300 kV has recently been approved by the IPEM and introduces three main changes: (i) Due to a lack of available data the original code recommended a value of unity for k(ch) in the very-low-energy range (0.035-1.0 mm Al HVL). A single table of k(ch) values, ranging from 1.01 to 1.07, applicable to both designated chamber types is now presented. (ii) For medium-energy x-rays (0.5-4 mm Cu HVL) methods are given to determine the absorbed dose to water either at 2 cm depth or at the surface of a phantom depending on clinical needs. Determination of the dose at the phantom surface is derived from an in-air measurement and by extending the low-energy range up to 4 mm Cu HVL. Relevant backscatter factors and ratios of mass energy absorption coefficients are given in the addendum. (iii) Relative dosimetry: although not normally forming part of a dosimetry code of practice a brief review of the current literature on this topic has been added as an appendix. This encompasses advice on techniques for measuring depth doses, applicator factors for small field sizes, dose fall off with increasing SSD and choice of appropriate phantom materials and ionization chambers.

Published 2 June 2005 in Phys Med Biol, 50(12): 2739-48.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Radiotherapy Research Today. All Rights Reserved.