Creation of a Brachytherapy Simulation Program for Use As a Training Resource
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work was to develop a user-friendly software package that could be used as a simulation and training tool for brachytherapy. This web-based tool was designed particularly to meet the needs of students, residents and clinicians who may not have access to a brachytherapy treatment planning system.
Methods
A custom code was written to create the training tool. The tool consists of four modules that cover different aspects of both LDR and HDR brachytherapy, stepping the user through simple to complex brachytherapy dosimetry. The first module introduces the radioactive source and demonstrates the surrounding dose distribution depending on source type, with a source comparison option available. The second module creates a 1D array of sources with variable source spacing and strength. The third creates a planar array of sources, again with variable source spacing and the ability to turn source positions off. The fourth module introduces cartoon-style anatomy for cervix brachytherapy with options for tandem/ovoid and tandem/ring geometry of varying dimensions to explore the impact of applicator, dwell position and dwell time on the target, organs at risk and ICRU dose points.
Results
Creation of the software was completed over several months and involved multiple iterations and expansion of scope and complexity as the process progressed. The final program will be incorporated into formal training packages for hundreds of users across multiple countries with feedback and assessment of improvements to knowledge and skill to quantify the impact of the software as a training tool.
Conclusion
This program provides a simple but effective method of teaching brachytherapy that allows users a visual and interactive method for investigating the ways in which modifying parameters from source type through to treatment applicator type will potentially impact on brachytherapy dosimetry in both phantom and virtual-patient scenarios.