Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this work is to compare Monte Carlo simulated absorbed dose distributions obtained from (106)Ru eye plaques, whose heterogeneous emitter distribution is known, with the common homogeneous approximation. The effect of these heterogeneities on segmented structures at risk is analyzed using an anthropomorphic phantom. METHODS: The generic CCA and CCB, with a homogeneous emitter map, and the specific CCA1364 and CCB1256 (106)Ru eye plaques are modeled with the Monte Carlo code PENELOPE. To compare the effect of the heterogeneities in the segmented volumes, cumulative dose-volume histograms are calculated for different rotations of the aforementioned plaques. RESULTS: For the cornea, the CCA with the equatorial placement yields the lowest absorbed dose rate while for the CCA1364 in the same placement the absorbed dose rate is 33% higher. The CCB1256 with the hot spot oriented towards the cornea yields the maximum dose rate per unit of activity while it is 44% lower for the CCB. CONCLUSIONS: Dose calculations based on a homogeneous distribution of the emitter substance yield the lowest absorbed dose in the analyzed structures for all plaque placements. Treatment planning based on such calculations may result in an overdose of the structures at risk.