The shielding ability of novel tungsten rubber against the electron beam for clinical use in radiation therapy

Abstract

Background/Aim: A newly-introduced tungsten containing rubber (TCR) is a potentially useful shielding material in electron radiotherapy because it is lead-free, containing as much as 90% fine tungsten powder by weight. This study aimed to investigate the shielding ability of TCR against electron beams. Materials and Methods: Transmission of TCR was measured for energies of 4, 6, 9 and 12 MeV. Dose profiles were measured to compare the TCR and lead. The electron backscatter factor (EBF) was also compared. Results: The transmission of equivalent thickness for 4, 6, 9 and 12 MeV with TCR (0.78%, 1.34%, 2.16% and 3.08%, respectively) were lower than that with lead (0.81%, 1.44%, 2.19% and 3.16%, respectively) (p<0.05). The dose profiles were not significantly different for TCR and lead. The EBF with TCR was up to 17% lower than that with lead. Conclusion: TCR has adequate radiation shielding ability for electron beams and could be employed instead of lead.