75Se - A promising alternative to 192Ir for potential use in the skin cancer brachytherapy: A Monte Carlo simulation study using FLUKA code

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of utilizing the HDR 75Se source for skin cancer brachytherapy. In this work, based on the BVH-20 skin applicator, two cup-shaped applicators, without and with the flattening filter, were modeled. To obtain the optimal flattening filter shape, an approach based on the MC simulation in combination with an analytical estimation was used. Then, the dose distributions for 75Se-applicators were generated using MC simulations in water, and their dosimetric characterizations such as flatness, symmetry, and penumbra were evaluated. Furthermore, the radiation leakage in the backside of the applicators was estimated by additional MC simulation. Finally, to evaluate the treatment times, calculations were performed for two 75Se-applicators assuming 5 Gy per fraction. The flatness, symmetry, and penumbra values for the 75Se-applicator without the flattening filter were estimated to be 13.7%, 1.05, and 0.41 cm respectively. The corresponding values for 75Se-applicator with the flattening filter were estimated to be 1.6%, 1.06, and 0.10 cm respectively. The radiation leakage value at a distance of 2 cm from the applicator surface was calculated to be 0.2% and 0.4% for the 75Se-applicator without and with the flattening filter respectively. Our results showed that the treatment time for the 75Se-applicator is comparable with that of the 192Ir-Leipzig applicator. The findings revealed that the dosimetric parameters of the 75Se applicator are comparable with the 192Ir skin applicator. Overall, the 75Se source can be an alternative to 192Ir sources for HDR brachytherapy of skin cancer. •The possibility of utilizing a 75Se source for skin cancer therapy was evaluated.•Dosimetric characterizations of 75Se-applicator were calculated in a water phantom.•Dosimetric parameters of 75Se applicator are comparable with 192Ir skin applicator.•Treatment times calculations show that 75Se source is clinically practical.•75Se source can be an alternative to 192Ir source for brachytherapy of skin cancer.