Background: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have
been shown as a good radiosensitizer. In combination
with radiotherapy, several studies with orthovoltage
X-rays have shown considerable dose enhancement
effects. This paper reports the dose enhancement
factor (DEF) due to GNPs in 18 megavoltage (MV)
beams. Materials and Methods: Different geometrical
50-nm GNPs configurations at a concentration of 5
mg/ml were used by both experimental and Monte
Carlo (MC) simulation in a deep-seated tumor-like
insertion within a phantom. Using MCNP repeated
structure capability a large number of gold
nanospheres with a semi-random distribution were
applied to simulate this phantom based study.
Thermoluminescence dosimetries were used to verify
the process of irradiation and MC simulation. Results:
Under geometries with different probable combinations
of water and GNPs distribution in the tumor, the
percentage depth dose and DEF were calculated.
Incorporation of GNPs into the radiation field in our
set-ups showed a 12% DEF. Conclusion: We show
that the method of nanoparticles, distribution, and
orientation can effectively change the DEF value.
Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2012 10(3‐4): 183‐186
Mousavie Anijdan S, Shirazi A, Mahdavi S, Ezzati A, Mofid B, Khoei S et al . Megavoltage dose enhancement of gold nanoparticles for different geometric set-ups: Measurements and Monte Carlo simulation. Int J Radiat Res 2012; 10 (3 and 4) :183-186 URL: http://ijrr.com/article-1-987-en.html