A Monte Carlo investigation of the dosimetric characteristics of the CSM11 137Cs source from CIS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to calculate basic dosimetry data for a CSM11 low dose rate 137Cs source in water. This source is widely used in afterloadable dome cylinders designed to homogeneously irradiate the vaginal cuff alone or additional areas of the vagina in hysterectomized patients. In this study, the Monte Carlo simulation code GEANT, incorporating in detail source geometry, is used to investigate the dosimetric characteristics of the source. The calculated data were analyzed using a fitting procedure that is described in detail. Absolute dose rate distributions in water were calculated around this source and are presented as conventional 2D Cartesian lookup tables (classically along-away tables). Also, the dose calculation formalism endorsed by the Interstitial Collaborative Working Group and the AAPM Task Group 43 have been calculated. The calculated dose rate constant for this source is lambda = 1.096 +/- 0.002 cGy h(-1) U(-1). The anisotropy function results in about 50% deviations from isotropy at positions near the long axis of the source. The radial dose function is given as a polynomial that reproduces the calculated data up to 20 cm. Best-fit values of attenuation coefficients suitable for use in Sievert integral calculations have been derived.