S. Miljanić - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by S. Miljanić

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Response of Passive Dosimetry Systems in Scanning Proton Radiotherapy—A Study Using Paediatric Anthropomorphic Phantoms

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

Research paper thumbnail of Dose distribution of secondary radiation in a water phantom for a proton pencil beam - EURADOS WG9 inter-comparison exercise

Physics in medicine and biology, Jan 6, 2018

Systematic 3-D mapping of out-of-field doses induced by a therapeutic proton pencil scanning beam... more Systematic 3-D mapping of out-of-field doses induced by a therapeutic proton pencil scanning beam (PBS) in a 300 × 300 × 600 mm3 water phantom was performed using a set of thermoluminescence detectors (TLD): MTS-7 (<sup>7</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti), MTS-6 (<sup>6</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti), MTS-N (<sup>nat</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti) and TLD-700 (<sup>7</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti), radiophotoluminescent detectors (RPL) GD-352M and GD-302M and polyallyldiglycol carbonate (PADC)-based (C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>18</sub>O<sub>7</sub>) track-etched detectors. Neutron and gamma-ray doses, as well as LET distributions were experimentally determined at 200 points within the phantom. In parallel, GEANT 4 Monte Carlo code was applied to calculate neutron and gamma radiation spectra at the position of each detector. For the cubic proton target volume 100 × 100 × 100 mm3 (Spread Out Bragg Peak with modulation of 100 mm) the scattered photon doses along the main ...

Research paper thumbnail of Selective assessment of the fast neutron component in mixed neutron–gamma field using TLD activation

Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2003

ABSTRACT Selective determination of the fast neutron component in a mixed radiation field by the ... more ABSTRACT Selective determination of the fast neutron component in a mixed radiation field by the TL dosimetry was studied. TL responses due to the induced radioactivity in Al2O3:C dosimeters via the 27Al(n,α)24Na reaction were used to measure the neutron part in a mixed 14.5MeV neutron and gamma irradiation field. The lowest detectable neutron dose was found to be in order of 10mSv of personal dose equivalent for Al2O3:C.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of RPL and TL dosimetry systems and comparison in medical dosimetry applications

Radiation Measurements, 2011

Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) dosimetry systems are under permanent development. The following dos... more Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) dosimetry systems are under permanent development. The following dosimetric characteristics of the GD-352M RPL glass dosimeter with FGD-1000 reader (Dose Ace system) developed for medical applications were investigated: uniformity/batch homogeneity, reproducibility, linearity, detection threshold, energy dependence in air and on phantom. Some characteristics were compared to two kinds of LiF; Cu,Mg,P TLDs: GR-200A (China) and TLD-100H (Harshaw). The characteristics investigated fulfil the requirements of the IEC 62387-1:2007 Standard for personal and environmental dosimetry (IEC, 2007).These dosimetry systems were applied in paediatric chest X-ray diagnostics on 60 patients. The dosimetry results with both dosimetry systems showed a good correlation of dose measured on the back of the patient with the body mass index (BMI) on examination by two technicians (average dose 0.12–0.19 mSv). Higher doses (0.33–0.39 mSv) were found on the patients examined by the third technician. Measurements on further 40 patients following additional consulting and education of the techniciams showed dose reduction (0.13–0.18 mSv for all 3 technicians).

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of dopants on TL characteristics of LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors

Radiation Measurements, 2010

Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow have shown very good dosimetric characteristics. Understan... more Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow have shown very good dosimetric characteristics. Understanding of the effect of the concentration and type of dopants is important in the characterization of TL materials. The aim of work was to investigate the influence of the type and concentration of the dopants on the photon energy response of these detectors by irradiations ''in air'' and on the ISO water phantom in the range of mean photon energies between 33 and 164 keV. The influence of dopants on the glow curves, sensitivity and reproducibility was also examined. Results showed that measured energy dependence values are lower compared to the theoretical values both ''in air'' and on phantom. The type and concentration of the dopants influence the shape of the glow curves and sensitivity while for energy dependence is more important the presence of certain activators, namely copper.

Research paper thumbnail of Radiotherapy out-of-field dosimetry: Experimental and computational results for photons in a water tank

Radiation Measurements, 2013

 Dosimeters based on OSL, TLD and RPL have been compared for radiotherapy purposes.  Irradiatio... more  Dosimeters based on OSL, TLD and RPL have been compared for radiotherapy purposes.  Irradiations have been performed in a water phantom located in and out of the beam.  Doses have been studied for three radiation quantities, 6, 12 and 20 MV.  Water and collimator scatter and leakage doses out of the beam have been evaluated.

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement of stray radiation within a scanning proton therapy facility: EURADOS WG9 intercomparison exercise of active dosimetry systems

Medical Physics, 2015

To characterize stray radiation around the target volume in scanning proton therapy and study the... more To characterize stray radiation around the target volume in scanning proton therapy and study the performance of active neutron monitors. Working Group 9 of the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS WG9-Radiation protection in medicine) carried out a large measurement campaign at the Trento Centro di Protonterapia (Trento, Italy) in order to determine the neutron spectra near the patient using two extended-range Bonner sphere spectrometry (BSS) systems. In addition, the work focused on acknowledging the performance of different commercial active dosimetry systems when measuring neutron ambient dose equivalents, H(∗)(10), at several positions inside (8 positions) and outside (3 positions) the treatment room. Detectors included three TEPCs--tissue equivalent proportional counters (Hawk type from Far West Technology, Inc.) and six rem-counters (WENDI-II, LB 6411, RadEye™ NL, a regular and an extended-range NM2B). Meanwhile, the photon component of stray radiation was deduced from the low-lineal energy transfer part of TEPC spectra or measured using a Thermo Scientific™ FH-40G survey meter. Experiments involved a water tank phantom (60 × 30 × 30 cm(3)) representing the patient that was uniformly irradiated using a 3 mm spot diameter proton pencil beam with 10 cm modulation width, 19.95 cm distal beam range, and 10 × 10 cm(2) field size. Neutron spectrometry around the target volume showed two main components at the thermal and fast energy ranges. The study also revealed the large dependence of the energy distribution of neutrons, and consequently of out-of-field doses, on the primary beam direction (directional emission of intranuclear cascade neutrons) and energy (spectral composition of secondary neutrons). In addition, neutron mapping within the facility was conducted and showed the highest H(∗)(10) value of ∼ 51 μSv Gy(-1); this was measured at 1.15 m along the beam axis. H(∗)(10) values significantly decreased with distance and angular position with respect to beam axis falling below 2 nSv Gy(-1) at the entrance of the maze, at the door outside the room and below detection limit in the gantry control room, and at an adjacent room (&lt;0.1 nSv Gy(-1)). Finally, the agreement on H(∗)(10) values between all detectors showed a direct dependence on neutron spectra at the measurement position. While conventional rem-counters (LB 6411, RadEye™ NL, NM2-458) underestimated the H(∗)(10) by up to a factor of 4, Hawk TEPCs and the WENDI-II range-extended detector were found to have good performance (within 20%) even at the highest neutron fluence and energy range. Meanwhile, secondary photon dose equivalents were found to be up to five times lower than neutrons; remaining nonetheless of concern to the patient. Extended-range BSS, TEPCs, and the WENDI-II enable accurate measurements of stray neutrons while other rem-counters are not appropriate considering the high-energy range of neutrons involved in proton therapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of passive dosimeters for secondary radiation measurements in scanning proton radiotherapy

Physica Medica, 2014

ABSTRACT Proton therapy is used increasingly in cancer treatment because of the possibility of sp... more ABSTRACT Proton therapy is used increasingly in cancer treatment because of the possibility of sparing healthy tissue close to the target volume. However, the interactions of protons with matter result in the production of secondary radiation comprised mostly of neutrons and gamma radiation. Unwanted doses, deposited distantly from the target volume, may lead to an increasing probability of late effects of radiotherapy including the generation of secondary cancers. The EURADOS WG9 measurement campaign is designed to investigate the secondary radiation generated by a scanning proton beam. Experiments were carried out in the IBA (230 MeV) active-scanning proton beam therapy facility in Trento, Italy. A volume of 10 x 10 x 10 cm3 inside the water phantom (60 x 30 x 30 cm3) was irradiated uniformly to a dose of 100 Gy. Depth dose distributions along the beam axis and profiles at various depths were measured. The following dosimeters were used: thermoluminescent (TLD-700, MTS-7, MTS-6 and MTS-N), radiophotoluminescent (GD-352M and GD302-M) and CR-39 track detectors. The results obtained within the irradiated volume show good agreement between prescribed and measured dose with RPLs (94.6Gy ± 2.4%). In Figure 1 preliminary results for TLDs and RPLs are shown for measurements outside the radiation field (beyond the range of proton beam). For photons, doses decrease from 22 mGy and 18 mGy at distance aproximately 13 cm from the inner surface of phantom, to 1 mGy and 0.5 mGy at distance aproximately 56 cm for MTS-7 and GD-352M respectively. Higher doses for TLDs compared with RPLs are observed due to higher sensitivity of TLDs to secondary neutrons in comparison to RPLs. A systematic decrease of the γ–equivalent neutron dose (Dn) with distance is observed. Dn is defined as the TL signal induced by neutrons in MTS-6 expressed in terms of the γ-ray dose producing an identical TL signal. Dn varied from 130 mGy at 13 cm from the inner surface of the phantom to 2 mGy at 56 cm. The detailed analysis of results combined with future Monte Carlo calculations will give valuable information about doses from scattered radiation distant from the target volume.

Research paper thumbnail of Eurados Strategic Research Agenda: Vision for Dosimetry of Ionising Radiation

Radiation protection dosimetry, Jan 9, 2015

Since autumn 2012, the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been developing its Strat... more Since autumn 2012, the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been developing its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), which is intended to contribute to the identification of future research needs in radiation dosimetry in Europe. The present article summarises-based on input from EURADOS Working Groups (WGs) and Voting Members-five visions in dosimetry and defines key issues in dosimetry research that are considered important for the next decades. The five visions include scientific developments required towards (a) updated fundamental dose concepts and quantities, (b) improved radiation risk estimates deduced from epidemiological cohorts, (c) efficient dose assessment for radiological emergencies, (d) integrated personalised dosimetry in medical applications and (e) improved radiation protection of workers and the public. The SRA of EURADOS will be used as a guideline for future activities of the EURADOS WGs. A detailed version of the SRA can be downloaded as a EURADOS repo...

Research paper thumbnail of Low doses of gamma-rays can induce the expression of mdr gene

Mutation research, 1994

We reported earlier that human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells exposed to 30 fractions of 0.5 Gy ga... more We reported earlier that human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells exposed to 30 fractions of 0.5 Gy gamma-rays became resistant to cisplatin, methotrexate and vincristine, but retained the same sensitivity to gamma-rays and ultraviolet light. The aim of this study was to examine whether a small number of gamma-ray fractions, with a lower daily dose, may also change the sensitivity of preirradiated cells to different cytotoxic drugs. Using the modified MTT staining procedure, we found that cells preirradiated with 5 or 10 daily fractions of only 0.17 Gy gamma-rays did not alter their sensitivity to mitomycin, cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, etoposide and doxorubicin. However, 10 fractions of gamma-rays induced resistance to vincristine and vinblastine. Our immunocytochemical experiments using monoclonal antibody JSB-1 show that the plasma membrane P-glycoprotein is involved in the induced resistance to Vinca alkaloids.

Research paper thumbnail of Peripheral doses in children undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery and second cancer risk

Radiation Measurements, 2013

h i g h l i g h t s < TLD and RPL are suitable for out-of-field dose measurements in radiotherapy... more h i g h l i g h t s < TLD and RPL are suitable for out-of-field dose measurements in radiotherapy. < Doses to the patient's eyes varied from 0.7% to 2.55% of the mean target dose. < Doses to the patient's gonads varied from 0.05% to 0.22% of the mean target dose. < Surface doses give possibility of dose estimation in the underlying organs. < Knowledge of the peripheral doses enables estimation of the second cancer risk.

Research paper thumbnail of Radiotherapy out-of-field dosimetry: Clinical simulations of prostate radiotherapy using BOMAB-like phantoms

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of radiophotoluminescent dosimeters for environmental monitoring

Radiation Measurements, 2008

Solid state dosimetry systems, including the early radiophotoluminescent (RPL) glass dosimeters, ... more Solid state dosimetry systems, including the early radiophotoluminescent (RPL) glass dosimeters, were investigated for application in environmental monitoring. RPL systems are under permanent development. The following dosimetric characteristics of the recently developed SC-1 flat RPL glass dosimeters with FGD-202 reader for environmental dosimetry were investigated: uniformity/batch homogeneity, reproducibility, linearity, detection threshold, energy dependence in air, on phantom and in water as well as the light sensitivity. All characteristics investigated fulfil the requirements of the IEC 61066:2006 Standard for personal and environmental dosimetry [IEC, International Electrotechnical Commission, 2006. Thermoluminescence dosimetry systems for personal and environmental monitoring. CEI/IEC International Standard 61066:2006]. It was found, that while the dosimeter is not sensitive for light because of automatic manipulation, the glass element itself could be used for 254 nm UV irradiation measurement. The UV light sensitivity differs for unirradiated and irradiated glass element. The authors recommend to extend the IEC Standard for personal and environmental monitoring also for RPL (and other) passive solid state dosimeters.

Research paper thumbnail of Photon dosimetry methods outside the target volume in radiation therapy: Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and radiophotoluminescence (RPL) dosimetry

Radiation Measurements, 2013

ABSTRACT Dosimetry methods outside the target volume are still not well established in radiothera... more ABSTRACT Dosimetry methods outside the target volume are still not well established in radiotherapy. Luminescence detectors due to their small dimensions, very good sensitivity, well known dose and energy response are considered as an interesting approach in verification of doses outside the treated region. The physical processes of thermoluminescence (TL), radiophotoluminescence (RPL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are very similar and can be described in terms of the energy band model of electron-hole production following irradiation. Thiswork is a reviewof the main dosimetric characteristics of luminescence detectors whichwere used in experiments performed by EURADOSWorking Group 9 for in-phantommeasurements of secondary radiation (scattered and leakage photons). TL LiF:Mg,Ti detectors typeMTS-7 (IFJ PAN, Poland), types TLD-100 and TLD- 700 (Harshaw), OSL Al2O3:C detectors type nanoDot� (Landauer Inc.) and RPL rod glass elements type GD- 352M(Asahi Techno Glass Coorporation) are described. The main characteristics are discussed, together with the readout and calibration procedures which lead to a determination of absorbed dose to water. All dosimeter types used show very good uniformity, batch reproducibility and homogeneity. For improved accuracy, individual sensitivity correction factors should be applied for TL and OSL dosimeters while for RPL dosimeters there is no need for individual sensitivity corrections. The dose response of all dosimeters is linear for a wide range of doses. The energy response of GD-352M type dosimeters (with Sn filter) used for out-of-field measurements is flat for medium and low energy X-rays. The energy dependence for TLDs is low across the range of photon energies used and the energy correction was neglected. A significant over response of Al2O3:C OSLDs irradiated in kilovoltage photon beams was taken into account. The energy correction factor fen was calculated by using the 2006 PENELOPE Monte Carlo code. With suitable calibration, all dosimeter types are appropriate for out-of-field dose measurements as well as for the in-phantom measurements of radiotherapy MV X-rays beams.

Research paper thumbnail of TL and PTTL of TLD-100 and TLD-700 after irradiation with 14.5MeV neutrons

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2007

... 510-517. doi:10.1016/j.nima.2007.02.078 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI Copyright © 2007 Else... more ... 510-517. doi:10.1016/j.nima.2007.02.078 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI Copyright © 2007 Elsevier BV All rights reserved. Permissions & Reprints. TL and PTTL of TLD-100 and TLD-700 after irradiation with 14.5 MeV neutrons. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Energy dependence of new thermoluminescent detectors in terms of Hp10 values

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2003

The aim of this work was to determine energy dependence characteristics in terms of values of the... more The aim of this work was to determine energy dependence characteristics in terms of values of the personal dose equivalent, HP(10). The following types of thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) were investigated: (a) two new types based on lithium borate, Li2B4O7:Cu,In and Li2B4O7:Cu,In,Ag; (b) two types based on the highly sensitive material LiF:Mg,Cu,P, TLD-700H and GR 200A; (c) two well-known types of LiF:Mg,Ti detector, TLD-100 and TLD-700 and (d) highly sensitive Al2O3:C detectors. TLDs previously calibrated with 137Cs gamma rays were simultaneously irradiated with X ray beams in the range of mean energies between 33 and 116 keV. The irradiations were performed with detectors in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) holders placed on a 30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm water phantom with PMMA walls (ISO phantom). Measured energy responses were compared with calculated data for HP(10) values. The results confirmed the satisfactory tissue equivalent characteristics of all investigated TLDs except Al2O3:C, which (due to its large energy dependence) is suitable for personal dosimetry only with an appropriate filter.

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical simulations of prostate radiotherapy using BOMAB-like phantoms: Results for neutrons

Radiation Measurements, 2013

Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below... more Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below and highlighted by flags in the proof. Location in article Query / Remark: Click on the Q link to find the query's location in text Please insert your reply or correction at the corresponding line in the proof Q1 References "Bordy et al., in this issue, d'Errico et al., in this issue, Harrison, in this issue, Kne zevi c et al., in this issue" will be updated latter at the issue compilation stage. Q2 Kindly update the reference "Lu et al., in press." Q3 Please confirm that given names and surnames have been identified correctly. Q4 For figure 10, the resolution is too low to be used. Please provide better quality figure of 300 dpi.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative study of LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si and Li2B4O7:Cu,Ag,P TL detectors

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2006

Recently, two new types of 'tissue equivalent' thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) have aroused at... more Recently, two new types of 'tissue equivalent' thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) have aroused attention: LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si and Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu,Ag,P. In this work the characteristics of both detectors were compared with the characteristics of the wellknown type LiF:Mg,Ti detector, TLD-100. The following properties were investigated: the glow curve structures, relative sensitivity, batch homogeneity and uniformity, detection threshold, reproducibility of the response, linearity in the wide dose range and fading. Also, the energy dependence for medium and low energy X rays was determined in the range of mean energies between 33 and 116 keV. The results confirmed 'tissue equivalency' of both new types in the investigated range of photon energies. LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si detector has very high sensitivity ($75 times higher than that of TLD-100) and is convenient for use in a very low range of doses. Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu,Ag,P detector shows some improvements in comparison with the previously prepared types of lithium borate. The most important is the five times higher sensitivity than that of TLD-100. This detector is also very promising, especially in medical dosimetry.

Research paper thumbnail of Main Dosimetric Characteristics of Some Tissue-equivalent TL Detectors

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2002

The aim of this work was to determine important dosimetric characteristics of several types of th... more The aim of this work was to determine important dosimetric characteristics of several types of the most interesting tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs). Special attention was given to the determination of energy dependence for medium and low energy X rays. The following types of TLDs were investigated: (a) two new types based on lithium borate: Li2B4O7:Cu,In and Li,B4O7:Cu,In,Ag; (b) two types of the recently developed highly sensitive LiF:Mg,Cu,P material: TLD-700H and GR 200A and (c) two well known types of LiF:Mg,Ti detectors: TLD-100 and TLD-700. In order to determine their photon energy response characteristics, TLDs previously calibrated with 137Cs gamma rays were simultaneously irradiated with X ray beams in the range of effective energies between 33 and 116 keV. Measured energy responses (relative to air), normalised to those to 137Cs photons were compared with calculated data. Although the deviations of the measured data from the &#39;theoretical&#39; predictions are different for all the investigated TLDs, there is no large difference in &#39;tissue-equivalency&#39; between them.

Research paper thumbnail of Harmonization of individual dosimetry quality control within metrology system of a small country

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2006

A programme of harmonization of individual dosimetry quality control organized in the framework o... more A programme of harmonization of individual dosimetry quality control organized in the framework of a distributed metrology system is presented as seen from the experiences gained in Slovenia. As a part of the programme intercomparison of dosimetry services was organized and basic characteristics of dosimetry systems compared. Results are discussed with suggestions for further improvements of quality assurance.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Response of Passive Dosimetry Systems in Scanning Proton Radiotherapy—A Study Using Paediatric Anthropomorphic Phantoms

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

Research paper thumbnail of Dose distribution of secondary radiation in a water phantom for a proton pencil beam - EURADOS WG9 inter-comparison exercise

Physics in medicine and biology, Jan 6, 2018

Systematic 3-D mapping of out-of-field doses induced by a therapeutic proton pencil scanning beam... more Systematic 3-D mapping of out-of-field doses induced by a therapeutic proton pencil scanning beam (PBS) in a 300 × 300 × 600 mm3 water phantom was performed using a set of thermoluminescence detectors (TLD): MTS-7 (<sup>7</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti), MTS-6 (<sup>6</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti), MTS-N (<sup>nat</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti) and TLD-700 (<sup>7</sup>LiF:Mg,Ti), radiophotoluminescent detectors (RPL) GD-352M and GD-302M and polyallyldiglycol carbonate (PADC)-based (C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>18</sub>O<sub>7</sub>) track-etched detectors. Neutron and gamma-ray doses, as well as LET distributions were experimentally determined at 200 points within the phantom. In parallel, GEANT 4 Monte Carlo code was applied to calculate neutron and gamma radiation spectra at the position of each detector. For the cubic proton target volume 100 × 100 × 100 mm3 (Spread Out Bragg Peak with modulation of 100 mm) the scattered photon doses along the main ...

Research paper thumbnail of Selective assessment of the fast neutron component in mixed neutron–gamma field using TLD activation

Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2003

ABSTRACT Selective determination of the fast neutron component in a mixed radiation field by the ... more ABSTRACT Selective determination of the fast neutron component in a mixed radiation field by the TL dosimetry was studied. TL responses due to the induced radioactivity in Al2O3:C dosimeters via the 27Al(n,α)24Na reaction were used to measure the neutron part in a mixed 14.5MeV neutron and gamma irradiation field. The lowest detectable neutron dose was found to be in order of 10mSv of personal dose equivalent for Al2O3:C.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of RPL and TL dosimetry systems and comparison in medical dosimetry applications

Radiation Measurements, 2011

Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) dosimetry systems are under permanent development. The following dos... more Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) dosimetry systems are under permanent development. The following dosimetric characteristics of the GD-352M RPL glass dosimeter with FGD-1000 reader (Dose Ace system) developed for medical applications were investigated: uniformity/batch homogeneity, reproducibility, linearity, detection threshold, energy dependence in air and on phantom. Some characteristics were compared to two kinds of LiF; Cu,Mg,P TLDs: GR-200A (China) and TLD-100H (Harshaw). The characteristics investigated fulfil the requirements of the IEC 62387-1:2007 Standard for personal and environmental dosimetry (IEC, 2007).These dosimetry systems were applied in paediatric chest X-ray diagnostics on 60 patients. The dosimetry results with both dosimetry systems showed a good correlation of dose measured on the back of the patient with the body mass index (BMI) on examination by two technicians (average dose 0.12–0.19 mSv). Higher doses (0.33–0.39 mSv) were found on the patients examined by the third technician. Measurements on further 40 patients following additional consulting and education of the techniciams showed dose reduction (0.13–0.18 mSv for all 3 technicians).

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of dopants on TL characteristics of LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors

Radiation Measurements, 2010

Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow have shown very good dosimetric characteristics. Understan... more Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow have shown very good dosimetric characteristics. Understanding of the effect of the concentration and type of dopants is important in the characterization of TL materials. The aim of work was to investigate the influence of the type and concentration of the dopants on the photon energy response of these detectors by irradiations ''in air'' and on the ISO water phantom in the range of mean photon energies between 33 and 164 keV. The influence of dopants on the glow curves, sensitivity and reproducibility was also examined. Results showed that measured energy dependence values are lower compared to the theoretical values both ''in air'' and on phantom. The type and concentration of the dopants influence the shape of the glow curves and sensitivity while for energy dependence is more important the presence of certain activators, namely copper.

Research paper thumbnail of Radiotherapy out-of-field dosimetry: Experimental and computational results for photons in a water tank

Radiation Measurements, 2013

 Dosimeters based on OSL, TLD and RPL have been compared for radiotherapy purposes.  Irradiatio... more  Dosimeters based on OSL, TLD and RPL have been compared for radiotherapy purposes.  Irradiations have been performed in a water phantom located in and out of the beam.  Doses have been studied for three radiation quantities, 6, 12 and 20 MV.  Water and collimator scatter and leakage doses out of the beam have been evaluated.

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement of stray radiation within a scanning proton therapy facility: EURADOS WG9 intercomparison exercise of active dosimetry systems

Medical Physics, 2015

To characterize stray radiation around the target volume in scanning proton therapy and study the... more To characterize stray radiation around the target volume in scanning proton therapy and study the performance of active neutron monitors. Working Group 9 of the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS WG9-Radiation protection in medicine) carried out a large measurement campaign at the Trento Centro di Protonterapia (Trento, Italy) in order to determine the neutron spectra near the patient using two extended-range Bonner sphere spectrometry (BSS) systems. In addition, the work focused on acknowledging the performance of different commercial active dosimetry systems when measuring neutron ambient dose equivalents, H(∗)(10), at several positions inside (8 positions) and outside (3 positions) the treatment room. Detectors included three TEPCs--tissue equivalent proportional counters (Hawk type from Far West Technology, Inc.) and six rem-counters (WENDI-II, LB 6411, RadEye™ NL, a regular and an extended-range NM2B). Meanwhile, the photon component of stray radiation was deduced from the low-lineal energy transfer part of TEPC spectra or measured using a Thermo Scientific™ FH-40G survey meter. Experiments involved a water tank phantom (60 × 30 × 30 cm(3)) representing the patient that was uniformly irradiated using a 3 mm spot diameter proton pencil beam with 10 cm modulation width, 19.95 cm distal beam range, and 10 × 10 cm(2) field size. Neutron spectrometry around the target volume showed two main components at the thermal and fast energy ranges. The study also revealed the large dependence of the energy distribution of neutrons, and consequently of out-of-field doses, on the primary beam direction (directional emission of intranuclear cascade neutrons) and energy (spectral composition of secondary neutrons). In addition, neutron mapping within the facility was conducted and showed the highest H(∗)(10) value of ∼ 51 μSv Gy(-1); this was measured at 1.15 m along the beam axis. H(∗)(10) values significantly decreased with distance and angular position with respect to beam axis falling below 2 nSv Gy(-1) at the entrance of the maze, at the door outside the room and below detection limit in the gantry control room, and at an adjacent room (&lt;0.1 nSv Gy(-1)). Finally, the agreement on H(∗)(10) values between all detectors showed a direct dependence on neutron spectra at the measurement position. While conventional rem-counters (LB 6411, RadEye™ NL, NM2-458) underestimated the H(∗)(10) by up to a factor of 4, Hawk TEPCs and the WENDI-II range-extended detector were found to have good performance (within 20%) even at the highest neutron fluence and energy range. Meanwhile, secondary photon dose equivalents were found to be up to five times lower than neutrons; remaining nonetheless of concern to the patient. Extended-range BSS, TEPCs, and the WENDI-II enable accurate measurements of stray neutrons while other rem-counters are not appropriate considering the high-energy range of neutrons involved in proton therapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of passive dosimeters for secondary radiation measurements in scanning proton radiotherapy

Physica Medica, 2014

ABSTRACT Proton therapy is used increasingly in cancer treatment because of the possibility of sp... more ABSTRACT Proton therapy is used increasingly in cancer treatment because of the possibility of sparing healthy tissue close to the target volume. However, the interactions of protons with matter result in the production of secondary radiation comprised mostly of neutrons and gamma radiation. Unwanted doses, deposited distantly from the target volume, may lead to an increasing probability of late effects of radiotherapy including the generation of secondary cancers. The EURADOS WG9 measurement campaign is designed to investigate the secondary radiation generated by a scanning proton beam. Experiments were carried out in the IBA (230 MeV) active-scanning proton beam therapy facility in Trento, Italy. A volume of 10 x 10 x 10 cm3 inside the water phantom (60 x 30 x 30 cm3) was irradiated uniformly to a dose of 100 Gy. Depth dose distributions along the beam axis and profiles at various depths were measured. The following dosimeters were used: thermoluminescent (TLD-700, MTS-7, MTS-6 and MTS-N), radiophotoluminescent (GD-352M and GD302-M) and CR-39 track detectors. The results obtained within the irradiated volume show good agreement between prescribed and measured dose with RPLs (94.6Gy ± 2.4%). In Figure 1 preliminary results for TLDs and RPLs are shown for measurements outside the radiation field (beyond the range of proton beam). For photons, doses decrease from 22 mGy and 18 mGy at distance aproximately 13 cm from the inner surface of phantom, to 1 mGy and 0.5 mGy at distance aproximately 56 cm for MTS-7 and GD-352M respectively. Higher doses for TLDs compared with RPLs are observed due to higher sensitivity of TLDs to secondary neutrons in comparison to RPLs. A systematic decrease of the γ–equivalent neutron dose (Dn) with distance is observed. Dn is defined as the TL signal induced by neutrons in MTS-6 expressed in terms of the γ-ray dose producing an identical TL signal. Dn varied from 130 mGy at 13 cm from the inner surface of the phantom to 2 mGy at 56 cm. The detailed analysis of results combined with future Monte Carlo calculations will give valuable information about doses from scattered radiation distant from the target volume.

Research paper thumbnail of Eurados Strategic Research Agenda: Vision for Dosimetry of Ionising Radiation

Radiation protection dosimetry, Jan 9, 2015

Since autumn 2012, the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been developing its Strat... more Since autumn 2012, the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been developing its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), which is intended to contribute to the identification of future research needs in radiation dosimetry in Europe. The present article summarises-based on input from EURADOS Working Groups (WGs) and Voting Members-five visions in dosimetry and defines key issues in dosimetry research that are considered important for the next decades. The five visions include scientific developments required towards (a) updated fundamental dose concepts and quantities, (b) improved radiation risk estimates deduced from epidemiological cohorts, (c) efficient dose assessment for radiological emergencies, (d) integrated personalised dosimetry in medical applications and (e) improved radiation protection of workers and the public. The SRA of EURADOS will be used as a guideline for future activities of the EURADOS WGs. A detailed version of the SRA can be downloaded as a EURADOS repo...

Research paper thumbnail of Low doses of gamma-rays can induce the expression of mdr gene

Mutation research, 1994

We reported earlier that human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells exposed to 30 fractions of 0.5 Gy ga... more We reported earlier that human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells exposed to 30 fractions of 0.5 Gy gamma-rays became resistant to cisplatin, methotrexate and vincristine, but retained the same sensitivity to gamma-rays and ultraviolet light. The aim of this study was to examine whether a small number of gamma-ray fractions, with a lower daily dose, may also change the sensitivity of preirradiated cells to different cytotoxic drugs. Using the modified MTT staining procedure, we found that cells preirradiated with 5 or 10 daily fractions of only 0.17 Gy gamma-rays did not alter their sensitivity to mitomycin, cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, etoposide and doxorubicin. However, 10 fractions of gamma-rays induced resistance to vincristine and vinblastine. Our immunocytochemical experiments using monoclonal antibody JSB-1 show that the plasma membrane P-glycoprotein is involved in the induced resistance to Vinca alkaloids.

Research paper thumbnail of Peripheral doses in children undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery and second cancer risk

Radiation Measurements, 2013

h i g h l i g h t s < TLD and RPL are suitable for out-of-field dose measurements in radiotherapy... more h i g h l i g h t s < TLD and RPL are suitable for out-of-field dose measurements in radiotherapy. < Doses to the patient's eyes varied from 0.7% to 2.55% of the mean target dose. < Doses to the patient's gonads varied from 0.05% to 0.22% of the mean target dose. < Surface doses give possibility of dose estimation in the underlying organs. < Knowledge of the peripheral doses enables estimation of the second cancer risk.

Research paper thumbnail of Radiotherapy out-of-field dosimetry: Clinical simulations of prostate radiotherapy using BOMAB-like phantoms

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of radiophotoluminescent dosimeters for environmental monitoring

Radiation Measurements, 2008

Solid state dosimetry systems, including the early radiophotoluminescent (RPL) glass dosimeters, ... more Solid state dosimetry systems, including the early radiophotoluminescent (RPL) glass dosimeters, were investigated for application in environmental monitoring. RPL systems are under permanent development. The following dosimetric characteristics of the recently developed SC-1 flat RPL glass dosimeters with FGD-202 reader for environmental dosimetry were investigated: uniformity/batch homogeneity, reproducibility, linearity, detection threshold, energy dependence in air, on phantom and in water as well as the light sensitivity. All characteristics investigated fulfil the requirements of the IEC 61066:2006 Standard for personal and environmental dosimetry [IEC, International Electrotechnical Commission, 2006. Thermoluminescence dosimetry systems for personal and environmental monitoring. CEI/IEC International Standard 61066:2006]. It was found, that while the dosimeter is not sensitive for light because of automatic manipulation, the glass element itself could be used for 254 nm UV irradiation measurement. The UV light sensitivity differs for unirradiated and irradiated glass element. The authors recommend to extend the IEC Standard for personal and environmental monitoring also for RPL (and other) passive solid state dosimeters.

Research paper thumbnail of Photon dosimetry methods outside the target volume in radiation therapy: Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and radiophotoluminescence (RPL) dosimetry

Radiation Measurements, 2013

ABSTRACT Dosimetry methods outside the target volume are still not well established in radiothera... more ABSTRACT Dosimetry methods outside the target volume are still not well established in radiotherapy. Luminescence detectors due to their small dimensions, very good sensitivity, well known dose and energy response are considered as an interesting approach in verification of doses outside the treated region. The physical processes of thermoluminescence (TL), radiophotoluminescence (RPL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are very similar and can be described in terms of the energy band model of electron-hole production following irradiation. Thiswork is a reviewof the main dosimetric characteristics of luminescence detectors whichwere used in experiments performed by EURADOSWorking Group 9 for in-phantommeasurements of secondary radiation (scattered and leakage photons). TL LiF:Mg,Ti detectors typeMTS-7 (IFJ PAN, Poland), types TLD-100 and TLD- 700 (Harshaw), OSL Al2O3:C detectors type nanoDot� (Landauer Inc.) and RPL rod glass elements type GD- 352M(Asahi Techno Glass Coorporation) are described. The main characteristics are discussed, together with the readout and calibration procedures which lead to a determination of absorbed dose to water. All dosimeter types used show very good uniformity, batch reproducibility and homogeneity. For improved accuracy, individual sensitivity correction factors should be applied for TL and OSL dosimeters while for RPL dosimeters there is no need for individual sensitivity corrections. The dose response of all dosimeters is linear for a wide range of doses. The energy response of GD-352M type dosimeters (with Sn filter) used for out-of-field measurements is flat for medium and low energy X-rays. The energy dependence for TLDs is low across the range of photon energies used and the energy correction was neglected. A significant over response of Al2O3:C OSLDs irradiated in kilovoltage photon beams was taken into account. The energy correction factor fen was calculated by using the 2006 PENELOPE Monte Carlo code. With suitable calibration, all dosimeter types are appropriate for out-of-field dose measurements as well as for the in-phantom measurements of radiotherapy MV X-rays beams.

Research paper thumbnail of TL and PTTL of TLD-100 and TLD-700 after irradiation with 14.5MeV neutrons

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2007

... 510-517. doi:10.1016/j.nima.2007.02.078 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI Copyright © 2007 Else... more ... 510-517. doi:10.1016/j.nima.2007.02.078 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI Copyright © 2007 Elsevier BV All rights reserved. Permissions & Reprints. TL and PTTL of TLD-100 and TLD-700 after irradiation with 14.5 MeV neutrons. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Energy dependence of new thermoluminescent detectors in terms of Hp10 values

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2003

The aim of this work was to determine energy dependence characteristics in terms of values of the... more The aim of this work was to determine energy dependence characteristics in terms of values of the personal dose equivalent, HP(10). The following types of thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) were investigated: (a) two new types based on lithium borate, Li2B4O7:Cu,In and Li2B4O7:Cu,In,Ag; (b) two types based on the highly sensitive material LiF:Mg,Cu,P, TLD-700H and GR 200A; (c) two well-known types of LiF:Mg,Ti detector, TLD-100 and TLD-700 and (d) highly sensitive Al2O3:C detectors. TLDs previously calibrated with 137Cs gamma rays were simultaneously irradiated with X ray beams in the range of mean energies between 33 and 116 keV. The irradiations were performed with detectors in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) holders placed on a 30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm water phantom with PMMA walls (ISO phantom). Measured energy responses were compared with calculated data for HP(10) values. The results confirmed the satisfactory tissue equivalent characteristics of all investigated TLDs except Al2O3:C, which (due to its large energy dependence) is suitable for personal dosimetry only with an appropriate filter.

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical simulations of prostate radiotherapy using BOMAB-like phantoms: Results for neutrons

Radiation Measurements, 2013

Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below... more Any queries or remarks that have arisen during the processing of your manuscript are listed below and highlighted by flags in the proof. Location in article Query / Remark: Click on the Q link to find the query's location in text Please insert your reply or correction at the corresponding line in the proof Q1 References "Bordy et al., in this issue, d'Errico et al., in this issue, Harrison, in this issue, Kne zevi c et al., in this issue" will be updated latter at the issue compilation stage. Q2 Kindly update the reference "Lu et al., in press." Q3 Please confirm that given names and surnames have been identified correctly. Q4 For figure 10, the resolution is too low to be used. Please provide better quality figure of 300 dpi.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative study of LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si and Li2B4O7:Cu,Ag,P TL detectors

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2006

Recently, two new types of 'tissue equivalent' thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) have aroused at... more Recently, two new types of 'tissue equivalent' thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) have aroused attention: LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si and Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu,Ag,P. In this work the characteristics of both detectors were compared with the characteristics of the wellknown type LiF:Mg,Ti detector, TLD-100. The following properties were investigated: the glow curve structures, relative sensitivity, batch homogeneity and uniformity, detection threshold, reproducibility of the response, linearity in the wide dose range and fading. Also, the energy dependence for medium and low energy X rays was determined in the range of mean energies between 33 and 116 keV. The results confirmed 'tissue equivalency' of both new types in the investigated range of photon energies. LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si detector has very high sensitivity ($75 times higher than that of TLD-100) and is convenient for use in a very low range of doses. Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu,Ag,P detector shows some improvements in comparison with the previously prepared types of lithium borate. The most important is the five times higher sensitivity than that of TLD-100. This detector is also very promising, especially in medical dosimetry.

Research paper thumbnail of Main Dosimetric Characteristics of Some Tissue-equivalent TL Detectors

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2002

The aim of this work was to determine important dosimetric characteristics of several types of th... more The aim of this work was to determine important dosimetric characteristics of several types of the most interesting tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs). Special attention was given to the determination of energy dependence for medium and low energy X rays. The following types of TLDs were investigated: (a) two new types based on lithium borate: Li2B4O7:Cu,In and Li,B4O7:Cu,In,Ag; (b) two types of the recently developed highly sensitive LiF:Mg,Cu,P material: TLD-700H and GR 200A and (c) two well known types of LiF:Mg,Ti detectors: TLD-100 and TLD-700. In order to determine their photon energy response characteristics, TLDs previously calibrated with 137Cs gamma rays were simultaneously irradiated with X ray beams in the range of effective energies between 33 and 116 keV. Measured energy responses (relative to air), normalised to those to 137Cs photons were compared with calculated data. Although the deviations of the measured data from the &#39;theoretical&#39; predictions are different for all the investigated TLDs, there is no large difference in &#39;tissue-equivalency&#39; between them.

Research paper thumbnail of Harmonization of individual dosimetry quality control within metrology system of a small country

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2006

A programme of harmonization of individual dosimetry quality control organized in the framework o... more A programme of harmonization of individual dosimetry quality control organized in the framework of a distributed metrology system is presented as seen from the experiences gained in Slovenia. As a part of the programme intercomparison of dosimetry services was organized and basic characteristics of dosimetry systems compared. Results are discussed with suggestions for further improvements of quality assurance.