Background: Surface brachytherapy, usually characterized by a high dose gradient, allows the dose to be precisely deposited in the irradiated area while protecting critical organs. When the lesion is located in the nasal or ocular region, the organ of vision must be protected. The aim of this study was to verify the dose distributions near critical organs in the head and neck region during a brachytherapy procedure using lead shielding of the eye.
Methods: Anthropomorphic phantom using 3D-printing technology was prepared. The doses deposited at a point in the lens of the eye and on the surface of the eyelid, directly under the lead shield were calculated and measured using EBT3 radiochromic films. Comparison of doses planned in the treatment planning system using the TG-43 formalism, TG-186 formalism, and measured were also performed.
Results: Comparing the planned and calculated doses with TG186 formalism it can be assumed that the use of lead shields is a method for protecting the organ of vision from the adverse effects of ionizing radiation.
Conclusions: The decision to use a lead shield during facial surface brachytherapy procedures should be made on a patient-by-patient basis and based on model-based calculation methods recommended by TG186.
Keywords: 3D printing; brachytherapy; dose calculations; dosimetry; quality assurance.