Relative 3D dose-to-water distribution measurements around an Ir-192 brachytherapy source using radiochromic gel dosemeters

The methodology and results of measurement of the relative spatial distribution of the absorbed dose with respect to water around an 192Ir brachytherapy source by using two types of radiochromic gel dosimeters are described. Optical cone beam computed tomography was used to evaluate the response of the irradiated gels. A good agreement with Monte Carlo calculations was achieved, although some limitations are caused by the properties of the gels. The research was conducted within the scope of the European joint research project aimed at improving the metrology of absorbed dose-to-water in brachytherapy. (orig.)