Dose parameters of 125I and 192Ir seed sources

Abstract

As mandated by an NCI brachytherapy contract, we measured dosimetric parameters for 192Ir seeds and two models of 125I seeds. Measurements were with LiF powder in a water-equivalent pahntom. Data were corrected for background, sample mass, and finite detector volume. Selected parameters were also investigated through Monte Carlo calculations. Results are presented in terms of a dose parametrization that is described in detail, and are compared to published data. Our results agreed well with published data for relative quantities such as radial and angular dose dependence. Our measured value for the 192Ir dose factor was 4.55 cGy (H2O) cm2 mCi-1 h-1, also in good agreement with commonly used values. However, the measured dose factors for 125I seed models 6702 and 6711 were 1.18 and 1.06 cGy (H2O) cm2 mCi-1 h-1, values well below those in the general use.