ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on aspects of dosimetry as it applies to calculating dose, using dose kernels in three-dimensional (3D) planning, and validating treatment delivery. It describes the basis for calculating and measuring brachytherapy dose distributions in three dimensions and covers the practical aspects of performing image-guided 3D treatment planning. The chapter also covers the importance of techniques for commissioning applicators and validation of treatment delivery with in vivo dosimetry. The goal of brachytherapy dosimetry is generally to determine the dose distribution in the vicinity of one or more brachytherapy sources. The chapter explores the necessary methods for obtaining reference datasets for 3D brachytherapy dose distributions. Numerous computer source codes have been written to accomplish radiation transport simulations, and several of these have been applied to the field of radiotherapy. Brachytherapy may be distinguished from other types of radiation therapy based on geometric conditions. The computational phantom is segmented into regions to provide spatial resolution for the evaluated dose distribution.
