Polymer Gel Dosimetry in Radiation Therapy
Summary
Polymer gel dosimetry has emerged as a pivotal technique for three‐dimensional mapping of radiation dose distributions in high‐precision radiotherapy. These dosimeters consist of hydrogel matrices infused with vinyl monomers, which undergo polymerisation upon exposure to ionising radiation. This polymerisation induces local changes in the gel’s physical and chemical properties, notably proton relaxation rates and optical attenuation, that can be quantitatively imaged. The tissue‐equivalent composition of polymer gels allows them to serve both as dosimetric media and anatomical phantoms, enabling detailed assessment of complex dose gradients generated by conformal and intensity‐modulated treatments. Readout of polymer gels is most commonly performed via magnetic resonance imaging, though optical computed tomography and X‐ray CT offer alternative modalities. Ongoing refinements address challenges such as oxygen inhibition, dose‐rate dependence and batch reproducibility to ensure clinical accuracy. Integration with combined MRI-linac systems further promises real-time, four-dimensional dosimetry, opening pathways to adaptive treatment verification and quality assurance in advanced radiotherapy platforms.
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Polymer Gel Dosimetry in Radiation Therapy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in polymer gel dosimetry in radiation therapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polymer gel dosimeter: A hydrogel matrix containing radiation-sensitive monomers that polymerise upon irradiation, enabling three-dimensional dose mapping.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) readout: A method for quantifying dose by measuring changes in proton relaxation properties induced by polymerisation within the gel.
Optical computed tomography (optical CT): A technique that reconstructs volumetric dose distributions by detecting changes in optical attenuation in irradiated gels.
Oxygen scavenger: A chemical additive that removes dissolved oxygen from the gel, preventing inhibition of the polymerisation reaction and enhancing dosimetric accuracy.
Four-dimensional (4D) dosimetry: The capture of spatial and temporal variations in radiation dose delivery, enabling dynamic monitoring during treatment.
References
- Hydrogels for Three-Dimensional Ionizing-Radiation Dosimetry. Gels (2021).
- Radiation Dosimetry by Use of Radiosensitive Hydrogels and Polymers: Mechanisms, State-of-the-Art and Perspective from 3D to 4D. Gels (2022).
- Basic Properties of a New Polymer Gel for 3D-Dosimetry at High Dose-Rates Typical for FFF Irradiation Based on Dithiothreitol and Methacrylic Acid (MAGADIT): Sensitivity, Range, Reproducibility, Accuracy, Dose Rate Effect and Impact of Oxygen Scavenger. Polymers (2019).
- An Optical Reusable 2D Radiochromic Gel-Based System for Ionising Radiation Measurements in Radiotherapy. Molecules (2024).
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