Patent Description:
Radiation therapy is a clinical medicine method that treats patients using radiation having a very short wavelength and high energy, and is one of three major cancer treatments together with surgery and chemotherapy. Although radiation therapy treats malignant tumors mainly called cancer, radiation therapy also treats benign tumors or some benign diseases.

Radiation therapy may be classified as teletherapy and brachytherapy depending on the position of a radiation applicator.

Teletherapy is a treatment method that applies radiation using various kinds of equipment outside the human body, and may be classified as photon beam therapy, electron beam therapy, or particle therapy (neutron therapy, proton therapy, etc.) depending on the kind of radiation that is used. Although various radiation generators may be used, therefore, a radiation generator that is the most widely used is a linear accelerator.

Brachytherapy is a method of locating a radiation generator or a radiation source in the human body or at the surface of the human body to apply radiation to a limited region, and may be classified as intracavitary radiotherapy, intraluminal radiotherapy, interstitial radiotherapy, or contact therapy depending on the space into which the radiation generator or the radiation source is inserted or a method in which the radiation generator or the radiation source is inserted.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM>, which is configured to be inserted into a human body, includes an outer body <NUM> and an inner body <NUM> located in the outer body <NUM>. Here, the middle portion of the outer body <NUM> in a longitudinal direction thereof is bent at a predetermined angle such that the front part of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> can be easily inserted into the human body. The inner body <NUM> is divided into a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>, and the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are connected to each other via a flexible connection portion <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> is located at the bent portion of the outer body <NUM>. When the first portion <NUM> is rotated, rotational force is transmitted to the second portion <NUM> via the connection portion <NUM>, whereby the second portion <NUM> is rotated.

Interiors of the first portion <NUM>, the connection portion <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> are connected to each other, and a radiation source (not shown) may be located in the second portion <NUM> via the first portion <NUM> and the connection portion <NUM>.

The second portion <NUM> is inserted into the human body so as to be located at a place adjacent to a tumor. Here, the second portion <NUM> may be divided into a first region 24a and a second region 24b. The first region 24a has radiation shielding, and the second region 24b has no radiation shielding. As a result, a larger amount of radiation is emitted from the second region 24b than the first region 24a.

Consequently, control is performed such that the first region 24a faces a normal site and the second region 24b faces a tumor site in the state in which the second portion <NUM> is inserted into the human body. Radiation generated from the radiation source may be emitted through the second region 24b and the portion of the outer body <NUM> that faces the second region 24b so as to concentrate on the tumor.

Consequently, the direction of the second region 24b must be adjusted such that the second region faces the tumor in the state in which the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is inserted into the human body. When the first portion <NUM> is rotated, the second portion <NUM> is rotated together with the first portion <NUM> through the connection portion <NUM>. The position of the second region 24b is also changed as a result of rotation of the second portion <NUM>.

In the case in which rotational force of the first portion <NUM> is not accurately transmitted to the second portion <NUM> via the flexible connection portion <NUM>, however, a rotational range of the first portion <NUM> and a rotational range of the second portion <NUM> become different from each other, whereby an error is generated. If the second portion <NUM> does not face the tumor site but faces the normal site due to the error, radiation is applied to the normal site.

Since the second portion <NUM> is located in the outer body <NUM>, it is not possible to directly check by eye whether an error is generated. Therefore, measurement as to whether the second portion <NUM>, in which the radiation source is located, is accurately rotated together with the first portion <NUM> and thus the second region 24b faces a predetermined position (a tumor site) is essentially required.

<CIT> provides three-dimensional liquid scintillation dosimetry system. <CIT> provides system and method for detecting and tracking a radiation source controlled by an afterloader used for brachytherapy.

The present invention provides technology capable of measuring whether radiation from a radiation source of a brachytherapy insertion tool is accurately applied to a predetermined position.

An apparatus for measuring the distribution of radiation dose emitted from a brachytherapy insertion tool according to the present invention, as defined by independent claim <NUM>, includes a housing having defined therein a measurement space in which the brachytherapy insertion tool is located, a fluorescent member disposed at the housing, the fluorescent member being configured to react with radiation emitted to the measurement space and to emit light, a camera disposed in the housing, and a cover coupled to one surface of the housing, the cover being configured to cover the fluorescent member. The fluorescent member is flat, is disposed perpendicular to the brachytherapy insertion tool guided to the measurement space, and is provided with a fluorescent through-hole, through which the brachytherapy insertion tool is inserted so as to be installed.

Radiation emitted from a brachytherapy radiation source transferred to the brachytherapy insertion tool may be applied to the fluorescent member in the measurement space to emit light, and an image of the light may be captured by the camera.

The cover may include a cover body having a cover through-hole, through which the brachytherapy insertion tool is inserted, formed therein.

The cover may further include an insertion tool guide formed at the cover body, the insertion tool guide being provided with a guide recess configured to guide the brachytherapy insertion tool to the cover through-hole.

The cover may further include a coupling pin inserted into the housing through the cover, the coupling pin being configured to prevent movement of the cover.

The housing may block external light so as not to be introduced into the measurement space when the brachytherapy insertion tool is mounted to the cover.

The camera may be disposed at one side of the measurement space, and the center of a lens of the camera is located on the same line as the center of the brachytherapy insertion tool inserted into the measurement space.

The apparatus may further include a lifting unit disposed at the housing, the lifting unit being configured to set the position of the fluorescent member.

A method of measuring the distribution of radiation dose from a brachytherapy radiation source according to the present invention, as defined by independent claim <NUM>, includes disposing a fluorescent member at a housing having a camera disposed therein, coupling the housing and a cover to each other in the state in which the fluorescent member is interposed therebetween, inserting the front end of a brachytherapy insertion tool into a measurement space of the housing, transferring a brachytherapy radiation source into the brachytherapy insertion tool, and capturing an image of the measurement space to which radiation is applied and analyzing the captured image.

The portion of the fluorescent member to which radiation from the brachytherapy radiation source is applied reacts with the radiation and generates light, brightness of the light varies depending on distribution of the radiation, and the position at which the light is bright is calculated to measure the direction in which the brachytherapy insertion tool has no shielding. The fluorescent member is flat, is disposed perpendicular to the brachytherapy insertion tool guided to the measurement space, and is provided with a fluorescent through-hole, through which the brachytherapy insertion tool is inserted so as to be installed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fluorescent member reacts with radiation applied to a measurement space and emits light. An image of the emitted light may be captured by a camera, and the captured image may be analyzed to measure the angle of radiation dose. Consequently, it is possible to accurately measure the angle of radiation dose from a brachytherapy insertion tool, whereby it is possible to improve reliability of brachytherapy.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to accurately apply radiation to a tumor site through measurement of the angle of radiation dose, whereby it is possible to improve the effect of radiation therapy.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the front end of the brachytherapy insertion tool is inserted perpendicularly through the fluorescent member, and radiation is applied under the fluorescent member in a direction parallel to the fluorescent member. Since the radiation is emitted in a direction parallel to the fluorescent member, it is possible to more accurately measure the angle of radiation dose from the brachytherapy insertion tool.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the position of the fluorescent member is changed by a lifting unit, whereby three-dimensional radiation dose distribution measurement is possible. As a result, it is possible to more accurately measure the direction in which a second region faces.

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings such that the embodiments of the present invention can be easily implemented by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Throughout the specification, similar elements are denoted by the same reference symbols.

Hereinafter, a brachytherapy insertion tool according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an apparatus for measuring the distribution of radiation dose from a brachytherapy insertion tool according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a sectional perspective view showing the interior of <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of <FIG>, <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> for measuring the distribution of radiation dose from the brachytherapy insertion tool according to the present embodiment includes a housing <NUM>, a fluorescent member <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>, and measures whether radiation applied from a radiation source of the brachytherapy insertion tool is accurately applied to a predetermined position. That is, the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus measures quality of the brachytherapy insertion tool.

The housing <NUM> is disposed on a base <NUM> having a predetermined area, and the interior of the housing is vertically bored such that a measurement space <NUM> is defined in the housing. The housing <NUM> is provided in the upper surface thereof with an opening hole <NUM>, which is connected to the measurement space <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is provided in the upper surface thereof with a seating recess <NUM>, a rotation preventing recess <NUM>, and a separation recess 132a. The separation recess 132a and the seating recess <NUM> are connected to each other, and the seating recess <NUM> is connected to the opening hole <NUM>. In addition, the rotation preventing recess <NUM> is spaced apart from the seating recess <NUM>. The depth of the separation recess 132a from the upper surface of the housing <NUM> is greater than the depth of the seating recess <NUM> from the upper surface of the housing. Although not shown in the figures, the housing <NUM> is provided on the edge of the upper surface thereof with a stepped protrusion extending in a circumferential direction.

In the figures, the housing <NUM> is shown as having a cylindrical shape; however, the shape of the housing <NUM> may be changed depending on design of the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the housing <NUM> is configured such that no light is introduced into the measurement space <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may be opaque, or a light blocking layer (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be made of a material capable of shielding radiation.

The base <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, and a camera <NUM> is disposed at the base <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be located in the measurement space <NUM> as a result of coupling between the base <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. A fixing means <NUM> configured to wrap the camera <NUM> is disposed in the housing <NUM> such that the base <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are coupled to each other in place. When the base <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are coupled to each other, the housing <NUM> is consistently coupled to the camera <NUM> under guidance of the fixing means <NUM>. The fixing means <NUM> may be variously changed depending on design of the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus <NUM>.

A lens of the camera <NUM> faces the center of the opening hole <NUM> in the measurement space <NUM>. The camera may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Here, the construction of the CCD camera is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The fluorescent member <NUM> is flat while having a predetermined thickness, and is seated in the seating recess <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The upper surface of the fluorescent member <NUM> does not protrude from the upper surface of the housing <NUM>. The middle part of the fluorescent member <NUM> is located at the opening hole <NUM>, and the edge part of the fluorescent member is supported by the bottom of the seating recess <NUM>. The fluorescent member <NUM> is provided in the center thereof with a fluorescent through-hole <NUM>, through which the front end of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> that is inserted into the measurement space <NUM> is inserted. The fluorescent through-hole <NUM> is connected to the measurement space <NUM> via the opening hole <NUM>. The front end of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> may be inserted into the measurement space <NUM> via the fluorescent through-hole <NUM> and the opening hole <NUM>. At this time, the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is inserted through the fluorescent through-hole <NUM> in a state of being perpendicular to the flat surface of the fluorescent member <NUM>. The fluorescent member <NUM> may emit light in response to radiation discharged from the radiation source of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM>. The light may be visible light, and brightness of light that is emitted varies depending on the distribution of the radiation. The camera <NUM> may capture an image of light that is emitted. Since the housing <NUM> blocks external light so as not to be introduced into the measurement space <NUM>, the camera may more accurately capture an image of light that is emitted, whereby it is possible to more accurately measure the distribution of radiation dose.

Here, the relationship between the fluorescent member <NUM> and radiation is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Meanwhile, a portion of the fluorescent member <NUM> overlaps about half of the separation recess 132a. A space is defined between a portion of the fluorescent member <NUM> and a portion of the bottom of the separation recess 132a. A finger is put in the space through the portion of the separation recess 132a that does not overlap the fluorescent member <NUM> to lift the fluorescent member <NUM> such that the fluorescent member <NUM> is separated from the seating recess <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> includes a cover body <NUM> and a guide block <NUM>. The cover <NUM> blocks external light so as not to be introduced into the measurement space <NUM>, in the same manner as the housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be opaque, or a light blocking layer (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the cover.

The cover body <NUM> is disposed on the upper surface of the housing <NUM>, and is provided on the edge of the lower surface thereof with a catching protrusion (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction, the catching protrusion being configured to be coupled to the stepped protrusion of the housing <NUM>. Movement of the cover body <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the housing <NUM> is prevented as a result of coupling between the stepped protrusion and the catching protrusion. The lower surface of the cover body <NUM> abuts the fluorescent member <NUM> in the state in which the cover body is coupled to the housing <NUM>, whereby the fluorescent member <NUM> is in tight contact with the seating recess <NUM>.

The cover body <NUM> is provided in the center thereof with a cover through-hole 151b, which is connected to the fluorescent through-hole <NUM>. A pin hole 151c, which is connected to the rotation preventing recess <NUM>, is vertically formed through the portion of the cover body <NUM> that is aligned with the rotation preventing recess <NUM>.

In order to couple the cover body <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to each other, a coupling pin <NUM> is inserted in the state in which the rotation preventing recess <NUM> and the pin hole 151c are aligned with each other. The lower end of the coupling pin <NUM> is inserted through the pin hole 151c and is located in the rotation preventing recess <NUM>. The cover body <NUM> is fixed by the coupling pin <NUM> located in the pin hole 151c and the rotation preventing recess <NUM>, whereby rotation of the cover body in a circumferential direction of the housing <NUM> is prevented.

The guide block <NUM> is formed on the upper surface of the cover body <NUM>, and is provided with a guide recess 152a extending in a longitudinal direction. The guide recess 152a is connected to the cover through-hole 151b.

Here, the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is bent at a predetermined point thereof, and the front end (a second portion <NUM>, see <FIG>) of the brachytherapy insertion tool on the basis of the bent portion thereof is located in the measurement space <NUM> via the fluorescent and cover through-holes <NUM> and 151b. At this time, the front end of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is aligned with the vertical center 130c of each of the fluorescent and cover through-holes <NUM> and 151b. The rear end (a first portion <NUM>, see <FIG>) of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is inclined from the vertical center by a predetermined angle 1d. The first portion <NUM> of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is located in the guide recess 152a, and the circumference of the rear end abuts the inner surface of the guide recess 152a. Since the circumference of the rear end abuts the inner surface of the guide recess 152a, movement of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is prevented in a state of being mounted in the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> may always be located at the same position when being mounted in the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error due to mounting when the distribution of radiation dose is measured.

Next, operation of the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus described above will be described with further reference to <FIG>.

A method of measuring the distribution of radiation dose from a brachytherapy insertion tool according to the present embodiment includes a step (S10) of disposing a fluorescent member at a housing having a camera installed therein, a step (S20) of coupling a cover to the housing, a step (S30) of inserting the front end of a brachytherapy insertion tool into the housing, a step (S40) of applying, by the brachytherapy insertion tool, radiation into the housing, and a step (S50) of capturing, by the camera, an image of the interior of the housing.

A base <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> is disposed at the base <NUM>. The housing <NUM> and the base <NUM> are coupled to each other in the state in which a fixing means <NUM> is installed in the housing <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is located in a measurement space <NUM> as a result of coupling between the base <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> and the camera <NUM> are consistently coupled to each other by the fixing means <NUM>. Consequently, the center of a lens of the camera <NUM> and the vertical center of an opening hole <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are aligned with each other.

After the housing <NUM> and the base <NUM> are coupled to each other, the fluorescent member <NUM> is disposed on the upper surface of the housing <NUM> (S10). At this time, the edge of the fluorescent member <NUM> is located in a seating recess <NUM>. The fluorescent member <NUM> is spaced apart from the camera <NUM> while facing the lens of the camera such that the center of a fluorescent through-hole <NUM> and the center of the lens of the camera <NUM> are aligned with each other.

In the above description, the fluorescent member <NUM> is disposed at the housing <NUM> after the base <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are coupled to each other. Alternatively, the base <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be coupled to each other after the fluorescent member <NUM> is disposed at the housing <NUM>.

When coupling the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> to each other, the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are coupled to each other in the state in which a stepped protrusion of the housing <NUM> and a catching protrusion of the cover <NUM> are coupled to each other (S20). Subsequently, a pin hole 151c and a rotation preventing recess <NUM> are aligned with each other, and then a coupling pin <NUM> is inserted into the rotation preventing recess <NUM> via the pin hole 151c. The lower end of the coupling pin <NUM> is located in the rotation preventing recess <NUM> via the pin hole 151c.

Movement of the cover <NUM> in directions X and Y perpendicular to a longitudinal direction Z of the housing <NUM> is prevented as a result of coupling between the stepped protrusion of the housing <NUM> and the catching protrusion of the cover <NUM>, and rotation of the cover <NUM> in a circumferential direction R of the housing <NUM> is prevented by the coupling pin <NUM>. As a result, the cover <NUM> is fixed at a predetermined position, whereby movement of the cover is prevented.

The front end of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is inserted into the measurement space <NUM> via through-holes <NUM> and 151b (S30). A second portion <NUM> of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is located in the measurement space <NUM> as a result of insertion of the front end of the brachytherapy insertion tool. The rear end of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is located in a guide recess 152a, and the outer circumference of the rear end abuts the inner surface of the guide recess 152a. As a result, the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is fixed to the cover <NUM>. Since the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is fixed to the cover <NUM>, a second portion <NUM> of the brachytherapy insertion tool consistently abuts the fluorescent member <NUM>.

After the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> is fixed to the radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus <NUM>, a first portion <NUM> of the brachytherapy insertion tool is rotated. At this time, the second portion <NUM> is rotated together with the first portion <NUM> through a connection portion <NUM>, whereby a second region 24b of the brachytherapy insertion tool faces a predetermined position (a tumor site).

After the position of the second region 24b is set, a radiation source is inserted into the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> so as to be located at the second portion <NUM> of the brachytherapy insertion tool (S40). At this time, the position of the radiation source may be adjusted. For example, when the radiation source is inserted into the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM>, the radiation source may be located at the second portion <NUM>, which abuts the fluorescent member <NUM>, such that the fluorescent member <NUM> and the radiation source are located on the same line. Alternatively, the radiation source may be further inserted so as to be located at the end of the second portion <NUM>. However, the radiation source may be located higher than the fluorescent member <NUM> without being inserted through the fluorescent member <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to appropriately adjust the position of the radiation source.

Radiation is emitted from the radiation source inserted into the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM> in all directions. In particular, a relatively large amount of radiation is applied to the measurement space <NUM> through the second region 24b, which has no shielding. The emitted radiation reacts with the fluorescent member <NUM>, whereby light is generated.

Here, when the radiation source is located on the same line as the fluorescent member <NUM>, radiation is emitted in all directions in a state of being parallel to the fluorescent member <NUM>. Since a relatively large amount of radiation is applied through the second region 24b, the portion of the fluorescent member <NUM> aligned with the second region 24b is brighter than the other portions of the fluorescent member.

In the case in which the radiation source is located at the end of the second portion <NUM>, radiation is emitted to the measurement space <NUM>. Radiation collides with the surface of the fluorescent member <NUM>, and the fluorescent member <NUM> reacts with the radiation, whereby light is generated. Since a larger amount of radiation is emitted from the second region 24b than a first region 24a, brighter light is generated in the portion of the fluorescent member <NUM> to which the radiation emitted from the second region 24b is applied than in other portions of the fluorescent member.

Brightness of light emitted from the fluorescent member <NUM> varies depending on the distribution of radiation. Consequently, the surroundings of the second region 24b may be brighter than the surroundings of the first region 24a.

When radiation is applied, the camera <NUM> photographs the fluorescent member <NUM> in the measurement space <NUM> to acquire an image (see <FIG>). A controller (not shown) calculates the position at which light is bright through the acquired image to measure the direction in which the second region 24b of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM>, which has no shielding, faces. That is, the controller calculates a deviated angle D of the second region 24b on the basis of <NUM>° through the brightness of light from the acquired image.

Meanwhile, radiation is applied in the direction deviated by a predetermined angle D on the basis of <NUM>°. The direction of the deviated angle D is determined by rotating an inner body <NUM> (see <FIG>) through manipulation of a manipulator (not shown) of the brachytherapy insertion tool <NUM>. Here, when the manipulator is rotated <NUM>° on the basis of <NUM>°, the second region 24b must be rotated <NUM>° together with the manipulator. The controller determines whether the second region 24b has been rotated <NUM>°.

That is, radiation is emitted from the second region 24b, and the portion of the fluorescent member <NUM> to which the radiation is applied emits light. At this time, brightness of light varies depending on the distribution of radiation, and the position that the second portion <NUM> faces is checked through the brightness of light.

Next, angle calculation will be described in detail.

First, when a captured image is input, center coordinates are determined. The center coordinates become a criterion for angle calculation. When the center coordinates are determined, signal intensity for each angle is extracted.

Signal intensity may be extracted using a contour line. When the contour line is used, a measured signal has a sine wave. At this time, the difference between the highest point and the lowest point of the measured signal must be great, and noise must not be mixed with the measured signal. In order to remove noise, smoothing is performed. At this time, an average is calculated to increase a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition, a parameter, such as a threshold value or order of a fitting function, may be used to easily extract the portion that has the greatest signal part from the measured signal.

When a specific signal intensity value is set and points having the same intensity as the value are connected to each other, the contour line passes through the point distant from the center in the direction in which intensity is high, and the contour line passes through the point closed to the center in the direction in which intensity is low. As a result, it is possible to obtain the graph shown in <FIG>. There are two mountains and a valley therebetween. Here, the actual direction of radiation is the direction of the valley between the mountains. The directions of the two mountains are accurately checked, and then the middle between the two directions is found to find the actual direction of radiation. Consequently, the distance from the center to the contour line is drawn to detect the direction in which the signal is strong.

In addition, signal intensity may be extracted using a concentric circle. One concentric circle having a uniform distance from a predetermined center is specified, and signal intensity is drawn along the concentric circle to detect the direction in which the signal is strong.

Signal intensity for each angle is extracted to detect a peak. At this time, one or more peaks may be detected. That is, a peak is generated from a signal in a direction from <NUM>° to <NUM>°. There may be no peak or two peaks depending on signal distribution or the direction in which <NUM>° is defined. In the case in which there is no peak, the definition of <NUM>° is changed (phase shift) to detect a peak, and then <NUM>° is changed so as to have the original definition.

In the case in which there are two peaks, the direction of the second region 24b is one, and the median between the two peaks may be the direction. However, the direction of the second region may be median between the two peaks or a value obtained by adding <NUM>° thereto depending on the distance between the two peaks.

Consequently, the angle at which the peak is located may be output to measure the position at which the second region 24b is deviated (rotated) on the basis of <NUM>°.

Meanwhile, a radiation dose distribution measurement apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a lifting unit (not shown) while including the components according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> without change.

The lifting unit includes a motor, a screw, and a nut, and is disposed at the housing <NUM> or the cover <NUM> so as to be connected to the fluorescent member <NUM>. The screw and the nut form a pair. The nut is connected to the fluorescent member <NUM>, and the screw is coupled to the nut. The screw is connected to the motor. When the screw is rotated by the motor, the fluorescent member <NUM>, to which the nut is connected, may move upwards and downwards.

Meanwhile, a space (not shown) in which the fluorescent member <NUM> is movable is formed between the housing <NUM>, at which the fluorescent member <NUM> is located, and the cover <NUM>. The fluorescent member <NUM> may move in a direction toward the camera <NUM> or a direction distant from the camera <NUM> in response to rotation of the screw. The fluorescent member <NUM> may be rectilinearly moved in the space by the lifting unit, whereby the position of the fluorescent member <NUM> may be variously changed depending on measurement conditions.

Since the position of the fluorescent member <NUM> is changed by the lifting unit, three-dimensional radiation dose distribution measurement is possible. As a result, the direction in which the second region <NUM> faces may be more accurately measured.

Many features described in connection with the embodiment shown in <FIG> may be applied to the present embodiment.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for measuring a distribution of radiation dose from a brachytherapy radiation source, the apparatus (<NUM>) being configured to measure the distribution of radiation dose emitted from a brachytherapy insertion tool (<NUM>), the apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having defined therein a measurement space (<NUM>) in which the brachytherapy insertion tool (<NUM>) is located;
a fluorescent member (<NUM>) disposed at the housing, the fluorescent member (<NUM>) being configured to react with radiation emitted to the measurement space (<NUM>) and to emit light;
a camera (<NUM>) ; and
a cover (<NUM>) coupled to one surface of the housing (<NUM>), the cover (<NUM>) being configured to cover the fluorescent member (<NUM>), wherein
radiation emitted from a brachytherapy radiation source transferred to the brachytherapy insertion tool (<NUM>) is applied to the fluorescent member (<NUM>) in the measurement space (<NUM>) to emit light,
an image of the light is captured by the camera (<NUM>), said apparatus being characterized in that said camera (<NUM>) is disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and in that the fluorescent member (<NUM>) is flat, is disposed perpendicular to the brachytherapy insertion tool (<NUM>) guided to the measurement space (<NUM>), and is provided with a fluorescent through-hole (<NUM>), through which the brachytherapy insertion tool (<NUM>) is inserted so as to be installed.