Characterization and commissioning of a miniature superficial electronic brachytherapy device for skin cancer treatment

Abstract

In this thesis, the characteristics of the practical application of the superficial electronic brachytherapy device developed for the treatment of skin cancer were found and measured. The measured characteristics are uniformity, absorbed dose rate at skin cancer site. The size of the fabricated surface applicator was 10 mm, 20 mm to be applicable for various skin cancer sizes. First, uniformity was measured. The uniformity was divided into flatness, symmetry, and penumbra. These values were measured and the measured values were verified to have met standards. Second, absorbed dose rate at skin cancer site was measured. In order to measure that, absorbed dose rate at skin surface and percentage depth dose were obtained. After measuring the characteristics, cell experiment and animal experiment were performed to verify the therapeutic effect. Cell experiments and animal experiments have shown that Superficial EBT devices can be used for practical treatment of skin cancer. In addition, similar results with currently used LINAC equipment will be helpful for future commercialization.