Shielded high dose rate ocular brachytherapy using Yb-169

Purpose. We propose an approach for treating ocular melanoma using a new type of brachytherapy treatment device. This device couples Yb-169, a middle-energy high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy source, with a gold shielded ring applicator to better conform radiation exposures to the tumor. In this study, we computationally test the dosimetric output of our proposed shielded ring applicator design using MCNP6 and validate it against an I-125 COMS plaque. Methods. The proposed Yb-169 ring applicator consists of an assembly of discrete sources delivered into an applicator with a conical collimated opening; this opening is tangent to the outside of the source tube. Using MCNP6, we simulated the dosimetric output of a ring of Yb-169 pellets placed within the collimator at various conical diameters and angles to demonstrate the dosimetric distribution for various prescription dose depths and target sizes using static intensity modulation. Results. Using various angles of collimation, the prescription dose was delivered to target apex depths of 3.5-8.0 mm into the eye covering target sizes ranging from 10 to 15 mm in diameter. This proposed device reduced the maximum absorbed dose to critical structures relative to I-125 by 5.2% to the posterior lens, 9.3% to the iris, 13.8% to the optic nerve, and 1.3% to the sclera. Conclusions. This proposed eye plaque design provides a more conformal dose distribution to the ocular tumor while minimizes dose to healthy ocular structures. In addition, the use of a middle-energy HDR brachytherapy source allows the use of a remote afterloader to expose the tumor after the plaque is sutured in place. This system is inherently safer and eliminates dose to the surgeon's hands.