\Dosimetry audits in high dose rate brachytherapy: A survey on the current scenario in Europe

Abstract

Introduction

This work aims to study the current scenario of dosimetry audits in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) in Europe to evaluate whether there is a need to implement more services of this type and to define the characteristics that they should meet according to users.

Material and methods

A survey consisting of 30 multiple choice questions was designed and distributed among European centers. The estimated time to answer was less than 15 min. 74 HDR BT centers participated, having ¹⁹²Ir, ⁶⁰Co and/or electronic sources. Information about users’ opinions and experience with dosimetry audits in this field, center resources and quality assurance (QA) procedures was gathered.

Results

For 61 % of users, dosimetry audits in HDR BT should be recommended, but not mandatory, whereas 35 % suggested that they are necessary and should be compulsory. Only for 4 % of participants these audits are not necessary. In contrast, 86 % of users found that the current number of these services is inadequate and that more national and/or international services are needed. Most participants operate according to QA recommendations of published guidelines, with exceptions, such as the use of the Reference Air Kerma Rate provided by the manufacturer instead of the one measured by the home medical physicist.

Conclusion

The number of HDR BT dosimetry audits available to users is inadequate and there is a need to implement more national and/or international services of this type. Some technical aspects that an audit of this type should fulfill are outlined in this work.