NOVO - Neutron and Prompt Gamma-Ray Range Verification in Particle Therapy
NOVO - Neutron and Prompt Gamma-Ray Range Verification in Particle Therapy
Kögler, T.; Alagoz, E.; Ytre-Hauge, K. S.; Hysing, L. B.; Lathouwers, D.; Lionheart, W.; Obhodas, J.; Pausch, G.; Pettersen, H. E. S.; Ratliff, H. N.; Rovituso, M.; Schellhammer, S.; Setterdahl, L. M.; Skjerdal, K.; Sudac, D.; Turko, J. A. B.; Meric, I.
Due to its high sensitivity to anatomical changes, particle therapy will only unfold its full potential together with a functioning online range verification. We present a detector concept making use of a large fraction of the secondary particles available by hybrid prompt gamma-ray and fast neutron imaging. The system is expected to exhibit a high detection sensitivity to these particles, a high time, energy and position resolution, excellent pulse shape discrimination, and a small footprint. It comprises a quasi-monolithic organic detector array consisting of novel organic scintillators with dual-ended silicon photomultiplier light read-out and fast digitizers. The reconstruction of the proton range from the events registered by the detector is based on gamma/neutron scatter kinematics, cone back-projection and maximum likelihood expectation maximization. Multiple studies are currently ongoing investigating the feasibility of this concept on an experimental and simulation level. A first Monte Carlo simulation study involving realistic patient data and an idealized detector has revealed that a range-shift sensitivity of 1 mm per spot is attainable for clinical spot weights. These results demonstrate the potential of particle treatment verification by fast neutrons and prompt gamma-rays and strengthen the potential of this hybrid system for clinical application.
Keywords: particle therapy; range verification; fast neutrons; prompt gamma rays; imaging
Involved research facilities
- Radiation Source ELBE DOI: 10.17815/jlsrf-2-58
Related publications
- DOI: 10.17815/jlsrf-2-58 is cited by this (Id 34632) publication
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Lecture (Conference)
(Online presentation)
IEEE Medical Imaging Conference 2022, 05.-12.11.2022, Milano, Italy
Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-34632