Characterization of an x-ray source with a partitioned diamond-tungsten target for electronic brachytherapy with 3D beam directionality.

Abstract

The SculpturaTMis a new high-dose-rate electronic brachytherapy system developed by Sensus Healthcare. By combining a steerable electron beam with a partitioned diamond-tungsten x-ray target, the x-ray source of the SculpturaTMis capable of producing highly anisotropic dose distributions, thus achieving true 3D beam directionality. This article reports the spectral and dosimetric characterization of the SculpturaTMx-ray source through a combination of measurements and Monte Carlo simulations for operating points between 50 - 100 kV. Excellent agreement (~5% discrepancy) between the simulations and measurements was obtained for in-air dose rate characterization. The validated simulations were then used to calculate the dose distribution in water. Dose rates of >2 cGy/min/µA can be produced at 100 kV, thus delivering 10 Gy in 1 minute for typical operating conditions. The dose distributions are sharply peaked, with a full-width at half-maximum azimuth of about 100°.