Work

Designing a lateral applicator for intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy using Monte Carlo simulation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) delivers precise radiation to tumor beds, minimizing healthy tissue exposure. This study aimed to design a lateral applicator for IORT in esophageal carcinoma, addressing the challenges of vertical tumor bed distribution. The applicator consisted of a collimator, scattering foil, modulator, treatment window, and stopper, designed based on tumor bed geometry. Monte Carlo simulations optimized the scattering foil's angle and thickness, while modulator and shielding designs enhanced dose uniformity and minimized tissue damage. The lateral applicator, shaped as a rectangular prism, featured a 5 cm × 5 cm treatment window and internal components made from tungsten, aluminum, and stainless steel. It delivered a planar dose distribution for a 12 MeV electron beam, with a dose rate of 131.05 cGy/min. At depths of 0.5 cm, the doses ranged from 45.19 % to 65.34 % of the surface dose, demonstrating its suitability for IORT in esophageal carcinoma.

Source: Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2025.101553

Authors: P. Ma, J. Dai

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques

Subfield: Radiation

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,400