PRESAGE (R) as a solid 3-D radiation dosimeter: A review article

Abstract

Radiation oncology has been rapidly improved by the application of new equipment and techniques. With the advent of new complex and precise radiotherapy techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy, stereo tactic radiosurgery, and volumetric modulated arc therapy, the demand for an accurate and feasible three-dimensional (3-D) dosimetry system has increased. The most important features of a 3-D dosimeter, apart from being precise, accurate and reproducible, include also its low cost, feasibility, and availability. In 2004 a new generation of solid plastic dosimeters which demonstrate a radiochromic response to ionizing radiation was introduced. PRESAGE (R) plastic dosimeter lacks the limitations of previous Ferric and polymer plastic 3-D dosimeters such as diffusion, sensitivity to oxygen, fabrication problems, scanning and read out challenges. In this decade, a large number of efforts have been carried out to enhance PRESAGE (R) structure and scanning methods. This article attempts to review and reflect on the results of these investigations.