Cobalt-60 is a logical, economical and comparable alternative to Ir-192: analysis and institutional experience from western India

Authors

  • Upendra Nandwana RNT Medical College
  • Narendra Rathore RNT Medical College
  • Sunnia Gupta RNT Medical College
  • Arvind Shukla RNT Medical College
  • Satish Kumar RNT Medical College
  • Kiran Intodia RNT Medical College
  • Poonam Chand Bana RNT Medical College
  • Abhay Jain RNT Medical College

Keywords:

carcinoma cervix, intracavitary radiotherapy, dosimetry, ICRU 38, Co-60, Ir-192

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the dosimetry of intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) in carcinoma of the cervix using cobalt-60 (Co-60) as source of ICRT, and as an alternative to iridium-192 (Ir-192). Design: This was a retrospective study. Subjects and setting: The study was on 80 ICRT patients attending the radiotherapy department at Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital, Udaipur, India. Outcome measures: The dosimetry of ICRT was studied retrospectively in 80 related applications. The dose to point A, 60 Gy isodose reference volume, and bladder and rectum maximum and mean doses were defined. Results: It was found that dosimetry with Co-60 as a brachytherapy source was consistent with the International Commission on Radiation Units (ICRU 38) recommendations. Conclusion: Co-60 is a logical alternative to Ir-192 in low socio-economic settings when repeated changing of the source is not an option.

Author Biographies

  • Upendra Nandwana, RNT Medical College
    Junior Resident Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Narendra Rathore, RNT Medical College
    MD Radiation Oncology Assistant Professor Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Sunnia Gupta, RNT Medical College
    MD Radiation Oncology Senior Resident Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Arvind Shukla, RNT Medical College
    Dip Radiation Physics Senior Physicist Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Satish Kumar, RNT Medical College
    Medical Physicist Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Kiran Intodia, RNT Medical College
    MD Medicine Medical Officer Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Poonam Chand Bana, RNT Medical College
    Junior Resident Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India
  • Abhay Jain, RNT Medical College
    Junior Resident Radiotherapy Department RNT Medical College Udaipur Ruhs India

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Published

2015-03-13

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Section

Original Research