Development and characterization of a novel PRESAGE formulation for radiotherapy applications

A novel water equivalent formulation of PRESAGE dosimeter more suitable for radiotherapy applications has been introduced and its radiological water equivalency has been investigated. Furthermore, its radiological properties have been compared with an existing PRESAGE formulation over an energy range from 10 to 20 MeV. Monte Carlo simulation method has been implemented to determine and compare depth dose profiles in both of the PRESAGE formulations at two different photon energies (140 KVP and 6 MV). The results show that our proposed PRESAGE formulation is more water equivalent than its known formulation especially for low photon energy beams.

► A novel PRESAGE formulation is introduced and compared with the common PRESAGE dosimeter.
► Mass density calculations indicate that the novel and common PRESAGE formulations both are not a good water equivalent material.
► Effective atomic number of the novel PRESAGE formulation is nearly the same as those of muscle and water.
► Radiation transport parameters of the novel PRESAGE formulation are very closer to that of water.
► Novel PRESAGE dosimeter is a better water equivalent material especially at low photon energies.