Dosimetric characterization of a novel ⁹⁰Y source for use in the conformal superficial brachytherapy device

Purpose: To characterize the dose distribution in water of a novel beta-emitting brachytherapy source for use in a Conformal Superficial Brachytherapy (CSBT) device. Methods and materials: Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) sources were designed for use with a uniquely designed CSBT device. Depth dose and planar dose measurements were performed for bare sources and sources housed within a 3D printed source holder. Monte Carlo simulated dose rate distributions were compared to film-based measurements. Gamma analysis was performed to compare simulated and measured dose rates from seven ⁹⁰Y sources placed simultaneously using the CSBT device. Results: The film-based maximum measured surface dose rate for a bare source in contact with the surface was 3.35 × 10^–7 cGy s⁻¹ Bq⁻¹. When placed in the source holder, the maximum measured dose rate was 1.41 × 10^–7 cGy s⁻¹ Bq⁻¹. The Monte Carlo simulated depth dose rates were within 10% or 0.02 cm of the measured dose rates for each depth of measurement. The maximum film surface dose rate measured using a seven-source configuration within the CSBT device was 1.78 × 10⁻⁷ cGy s⁻¹ Bq⁻¹. Measured and simulated dose rate distribution of the seven-source configuration were compared by gamma analysis and yielded a passing rate of 94.08%. The gamma criteria were 3% for dose-difference and 0.07056 cm for distance-to-agreement. The estimated measured dose rate uncertainty was 5.34%. Conclusions: ⁹⁰Y is a unique source that can be optimally designed for a customized CSBT device. The rapid dose falloff provided a high dose gradient, ideal for treatment of superficial lesions. The dose rate uncertainty of the ⁹⁰Y-based CSBT device was within acceptable brachytherapy standards and warrants further investigation.