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Whitmore L, Mackay RI, van Herk M, Korysko P, Farabolini W, Malyzhenkov A, Corsini R, Jones RM. CERN-based experiments and Monte-Carlo studies on focused dose delivery with very high energy electron (VHEE) beams for radiotherapy applications. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11120. [PMID: 38750131 PMCID: PMC11096185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60997-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) beams are a promising alternative to conventional radiotherapy due to their highly penetrating nature and their applicability as a modality for FLASH (ultra-high dose-rate) radiotherapy. The dose distributions due to VHEE need to be optimised; one option is through the use of quadrupole magnets to focus the beam, reducing the dose to healthy tissue and allowing for targeted dose delivery at conventional or FLASH dose-rates. This paper presents an in depth exploration of the focusing achievable at the current CLEAR (CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research) facility, for beam energies >200 MeV. A shorter, more optimal quadrupole setup was also investigated using the TOPAS code in Monte Carlo simulations, with dimensions and beam parameters more appropriate to a clinical situation. This work provides insight into how a focused VHEE radiotherapy beam delivery system might be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Whitmore
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- The Cockcroft Institute of Science and Technology, Daresbury, UK
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - R I Mackay
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - M van Herk
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - P Korysko
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- CERN, 1211, Geneva 23, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - R M Jones
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- The Cockcroft Institute of Science and Technology, Daresbury, UK.
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2
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Bateman JJ, Buchanan E, Corsini R, Farabolini W, Korysko P, Garbrecht Larsen R, Malyzhenkov A, Ortega Ruiz I, Rieker V, Gerbershagen A, Dosanjh M. Development of a novel fibre optic beam profile and dose monitor for very high energy electron radiotherapy at ultrahigh dose rates. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:085006. [PMID: 38478998 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad33a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Very high energy electrons (VHEE) in the range of 50-250 MeV are of interest for treating deep-seated tumours with FLASH radiotherapy (RT). This approach offers favourable dose distributions and the ability to deliver ultra-high dose rates (UHDR) efficiently. To make VHEE-based FLASH treatment clinically viable, a novel beam monitoring technology is explored as an alternative to transmission ionisation monitor chambers, which have non-linear responses at UHDR. This study introduces the fibre optic flash monitor (FOFM), which consists of an array of silica optical fibre-based Cherenkov sensors with a photodetector for signal readout.Approach. Experiments were conducted at the CLEAR facility at CERN using 200 MeV and 160 MeV electrons to assess the FOFM's response linearity to UHDR (characterised with radiochromic films) required for FLASH radiotherapy. Beam profile measurements made on the FOFM were compared to those using radiochromic film and scintillating yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) screens.Main results. A range of photodetectors were evaluated, with a complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera being the most suitable choice for this monitor. The FOFM demonstrated excellent response linearity from 0.9 Gy/pulse to 57.4 Gy/pulse (R2= 0.999). Furthermore, it did not exhibit any significant dependence on the energy between 160 MeV and 200 MeV nor the instantaneous dose rate. Gaussian fits applied to vertical beam profile measurements indicated that the FOFM could accurately provide pulse-by-pulse beam size measurements, agreeing within the error range of radiochromic film and YAG screen measurements, respectively.Significance. The FOFM proves to be a promising solution for real-time beam profile and dose monitoring for UHDR VHEE beams, with a linear response in the UHDR regime. Additionally it can perform pulse-by-pulse beam size measurements, a feature currently lacking in transmission ionisation monitor chambers, which may become crucial for implementing FLASH radiotherapy and its associated quality assurance requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Bateman
- John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Buchanan
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Corsini
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wilfrid Farabolini
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Korysko
- John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert Garbrecht Larsen
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Particle Therapy Research Centre (PARTREC), Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Malyzhenkov
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Iñaki Ortega Ruiz
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vilde Rieker
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Physics, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexander Gerbershagen
- Particle Therapy Research Centre (PARTREC), Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Manjit Dosanjh
- John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Meyrin, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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3
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Esplen N, Egoriti L, Planche T, Rädel S, Koay HW, Humphries B, Ren X, Ford N, Hoehr C, Gottberg A, Bazalova-Carter M. Dosimetric characterization of a novel UHDR megavoltage X-ray source for FLASH radiobiological experiments. Sci Rep 2024; 14:822. [PMID: 38191885 PMCID: PMC10774358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50412-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
A first irradiation platform capable of delivering 10 MV X-ray beams at ultra-high dose rates (UHDR) has been developed and characterized for FLASH radiobiological research at TRIUMF. Delivery of both UHDR (FLASH mode) and low dose-rate conventional (CONV mode) irradiations was demonstrated using a common source and experimental setup. Dose rates were calculated using film dosimetry and a non-intercepting beam monitoring device; mean values for a 100 μA pulse (peak) current were nominally 82.6 and 4.40 × 10-2 Gy/s for UHDR and CONV modes, respectively. The field size for which > 40 Gy/s could be achieved exceeded 1 cm down to a depth of 4.1 cm, suitable for total lung irradiations in mouse models. The calculated delivery metrics were used to inform subsequent pre-clinical treatments. Four groups of 6 healthy male C57Bl/6J mice were treated using thoracic irradiations to target doses of either 15 or 30 Gy using both FLASH and CONV modes. Administration of UHDR X-ray irradiation to healthy mouse models was demonstrated for the first time at the clinically-relevant beam energy of 10 MV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan Esplen
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Luca Egoriti
- TRIUMF, Vancouver, V6T 2A3, Canada
- Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Xi Ren
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Nancy Ford
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Cornelia Hoehr
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- TRIUMF, Vancouver, V6T 2A3, Canada
| | - Alexander Gottberg
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8P 5C2, Canada
- TRIUMF, Vancouver, V6T 2A3, Canada
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Siddique S, Ruda HE, Chow JCL. FLASH Radiotherapy and the Use of Radiation Dosimeters. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3883. [PMID: 37568699 PMCID: PMC10417829 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) using ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) radiation, known as FLASH RT, has shown promising results in reducing normal tissue toxicity while maintaining tumor control. However, implementing FLASH RT in clinical settings presents technical challenges, including limited depth penetration and complex treatment planning. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is a valuable tool for dose calculation in RT and has been investigated for optimizing FLASH RT. Various MC codes, such as EGSnrc, DOSXYZnrc, and Geant4, have been used to simulate dose distributions and optimize treatment plans. Accurate dosimetry is essential for FLASH RT, and radiation detectors play a crucial role in measuring dose delivery. Solid-state detectors, including diamond detectors such as microDiamond, have demonstrated linear responses and good agreement with reference detectors in UHDR and ultra-high dose per pulse (UHDPP) ranges. Ionization chambers are commonly used for dose measurement, and advancements have been made to address their response nonlinearities at UHDPP. Studies have proposed new calculation methods and empirical models for ion recombination in ionization chambers to improve their accuracy in FLASH RT. Additionally, strip-segmented ionization chamber arrays have shown potential for the experimental measurement of dose rate distribution in proton pencil beam scanning. Radiochromic films, such as GafchromicTM EBT3, have been used for absolute dose measurement and to validate MC simulation results in high-energy X-rays, triggering the FLASH effect. These films have been utilized to characterize ionization chambers and measure off-axis and depth dose distributions in FLASH RT. In conclusion, MC simulation provides accurate dose calculation and optimization for FLASH RT, while radiation detectors, including diamond detectors, ionization chambers, and radiochromic films, offer valuable tools for dosimetry in UHDR environments. Further research is needed to refine treatment planning techniques and improve detector performance to facilitate the widespread implementation of FLASH RT, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarkar Siddique
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada;
| | - Harry E. Ruda
- Centre of Advance Nanotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E4, Canada;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E4, Canada
| | - James C. L. Chow
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
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Jang YJ, Yang TK, Kim JH, Jang HS, Jeong JH, Kim KB, Kim GB, Park SH, Choi SH. Development of a Real-Time Pixel Array-Type Detector for Ultrahigh Dose-Rate Beams. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:4596. [PMID: 37430512 DOI: 10.3390/s23104596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Although research into ultrahigh dose-rate (UHDR) radiation therapy is ongoing, there is a significant lack of experimental measurements for two-dimensional (2D) dose-rate distributions. Additionally, conventional pixel-type detectors result in significant beam loss. In this study, we developed a pixel array-type detector with adjustable gaps and a data acquisition system to evaluate its effectiveness in measuring UHDR proton beams in real time. We measured a UHDR beam at the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences using an MC-50 cyclotron, which produced a 45-MeV energy beam with a current range of 10-70 nA, to confirm the UHDR beam conditions. To minimize beam loss during measurement, we adjusted the gap and high voltage on the detector and determined the collection efficiency of the developed detector through Monte Carlo simulation and experimental measurements of the 2D dose-rate distribution. We also verified the accuracy of the real-time position measurement using the developed detector with a 226.29-MeV PBS beam at the National Cancer Center of the Republic of Korea. Our results indicate that, for a current of 70 nA with an energy beam of 45 MeV generated using the MC-50 cyclotron, the dose rate exceeded 300 Gy/s at the center of the beam, indicating UHDR conditions. Simulation and experimental measurements show that fixing the gap at 2 mm and the high voltage at 1000 V resulted in a less than 1% loss of collection efficiency when measuring UHDR beams. Furthermore, we achieved real-time measurements of the beam position with an accuracy of within 2% at five reference points. In conclusion, our study developed a beam monitoring system that can measure UHDR proton beams and confirmed the accuracy of the beam position and profile through real-time data transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jae Jang
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Department of Accelerator Science, Korea University, Sejong 30015, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Keun Yang
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Kim
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Suk Jang
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hwi Jeong
- Center for ProtonTherapy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Kum Bae Kim
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun-Beom Kim
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hee Park
- Department of Accelerator Science, Korea University, Sejong 30015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyoun Choi
- Research Team of Radiological Physics & Engineering, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
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6
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Zhang G, Zhang Z, Gao W, Quan H. Treatment planning consideration for very high-energy electron FLASH radiotherapy. Phys Med 2023; 107:102539. [PMID: 36804694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Very high-energy electron (VHEE) can make up the insufficient treatment depth of the low-energy electron while offering an intermediate dosimetric advantage between photon and proton. Combining FLASH with VHEE, a quantitative comparison between different energies was made, with regard to plan quality, dose rate distribution (both in PTV and OAR), and total duration of treatment (beam-on time). METHODS In two patient cases (head and lung), we created the treatment plans utilizing the scanning pencil beam via the Monte Carlo simulation and a PTV-based optimization algorithm. Geant4 was used to simulate VHEE pencil beams and sizes of 0.3-5 mm defined by the full width at half maximum (FWHM). Monoenergetic beams with Gaussian distribution in x and y directions (ISOURC = 19) were used as the source of electrons. A large-scale non-linear solver (IPOPT) was used to calculate the optimal spot weights. After optimization, a quantitative comparison between different energies was made regarding treatment plan quality, dose rate distribution (both in PTV and OAR), and total beam duration. RESULTS For head (80 MeV, 100 MeV, and 120 MeV) and lung cases (100 MeV, 120 MeV, and 140 MeV), the minimum beam intensity needs to be ∼2.5 × 1011 electrons/s and ∼9.375 × 1011 electrons/s to allow > 90 % volume of PTV reaching the average dose rate (DADR) higher than 40 Gy/s. At this beam intensity (fraction dose: 10 Gy), the overall irradiation time for the head case is 5258.75 ms (80 MeV), 5149.75 ms (100 MeV), and 4976.75 ms (120 MeV), including scanning time 872.75 ms. For lung cases, this number is 1034.25 ms (100 MeV), 981.55 ms (120 MeV), and 928.15 ms (140 MeV), including scanning time 298.75 ms. The plan of higher energy always performs with a higher dose rate (both in PTV and OAR) and thereby costs less delivery time (beam-on time). CONCLUSION The study systematically investigated the currently known FLASH parameters for VHEE radiotherapy and successfully established a benchmark reference for its FLASH dose rate performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Zhang
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, 430072, China
| | - Zhengzhao Zhang
- Cancer Radiation Therapy Center, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100039, China
| | - Wenchao Gao
- Cancer Radiation Therapy Center, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100039, China
| | - Hong Quan
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, 430072, China.
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7
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Lauria A, Arpaia P, Buzio M, Gilardi A, Parvis M, Pentella M, Sabbatini L, Simoni E, Vannozzi A. Rotating-Coil Measurement System for Small-Bore-Diameter Magnet Characterization. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:8359. [PMID: 36366057 PMCID: PMC9656317 DOI: 10.3390/s22218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rotating-coil measurement systems are widely used to measure the multipolar fields of particle accelerator magnets. This paper presents a rotating-coil measurement system that aims at providing a complete data set for the characterization of quadrupole magnets with small bore diameters (26 mm). The PCB magnetometer design represents a challenging goal for this type of transducer. It is characterized by an aspect ratio 30% higher than the state of the art, imposed by the reduced dimension of the external radius of the rotating shaft and the necessity of covering the entire magnet effective length (500 mm or higher). The system design required a novel design for the mechanical asset, also considering the innovation represented by the commercial carbon fiber tube, housing the PCB magnetometer. Moreover, the measurement system is based primarily on standard and commercially available components, with simplified control and post-processing software applications. The system and its components are cross-calibrated using a stretched-wire system and another rotating-coil system. The measurement precision is established in a measurement campaign performed on a quadrupole magnet characterized by an inner bore diameter of 45 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lauria
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Technology Department, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pasquale Arpaia
- Technology Department, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Buzio
- Technology Department, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Gilardi
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Marco Parvis
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Mariano Pentella
- Technology Department, European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Sabbatini
- Frascati National Laboratory, National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), 00044 Frascati, Italy
| | - Enzo Simoni
- Faculté de Mesures Physiques, Institut Universitaire de Technologie, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, 74000 Annecy, France
| | - Alessandro Vannozzi
- Frascati National Laboratory, National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), 00044 Frascati, Italy
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Rahman M, Trigilio A, Franciosini G, Moeckli R, Zhang R, Böhlen TT. FLASH radiotherapy treatment planning and models for electron beams. Radiother Oncol 2022; 175:210-221. [PMID: 35964763 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The FLASH effect designates normal tissue sparing at ultra-high dose rate (UHDR, >40 Gy/s) compared to conventional dose rate (∼0.1 Gy/s) irradiation while maintaining tumour control and has the potential to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy (RT). UHDR high-energy electron (HEE, 4-20 MeV) beams are currently a mainstay for investigating the clinical potential of FLASH RT for superficial tumours. In the future very-high energy electron (VHEE, 50-250 MeV) UHDR beams may be used to treat deep-seated tumours. UHDR HEE treatment planning focused at its initial stage on accurate dosimetric modelling of converted and dedicated UHDR electron RT devices for the clinical transfer of FLASH RT. VHEE treatment planning demonstrated promising dosimetric performance compared to clinical photon RT techniques in silico and was used to evaluate and optimise the design of novel VHEE RT devices. Multiple metrics and models have been proposed for a quantitative description of the FLASH effect in treatment planning, but an improved experimental characterization and understanding of the FLASH effect is needed to allow for an accurate and validated modelling of the effect in treatment planning. The importance of treatment planning for electron FLASH RT will augment as the field moves forward to treat more complex clinical indications and target sites. In this review, TPS developments in HEE and VHEE are presented considering beam models, characteristics, and future FLASH applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubur Rahman
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Antonio Trigilio
- Physics Department, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy; INFN National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Rome Section, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Franciosini
- Physics Department, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy; INFN National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Rome Section, Rome, Italy
| | - Raphaël Moeckli
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Rongxiao Zhang
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA; Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Till Tobias Böhlen
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
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9
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McManus M, Romano F, Royle G, Botnariuc D, Shipley D, Palmans H, Subiel A. Determination of beam quality correction factors for the Roos plane-parallel ionisation chamber exposed to very high energy electron (VHEE) beams using Geant4. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac5a94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Detailed characterisation of the Roos secondary standard plane-parallel ionisation chamber has been conducted in a novel 200 MeV Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) beam with reference to the standard 12 MeV electron calibration beam used in our experimental work. Stopping-power-ratios and perturbation factors have been determined for both beams and used to calculated the beam quality correction factor using the Geant4 general purpose MC code. These factors have been calculated for a variety of charged particle transport parameters available in Geant4 which were found to pass the Fano cavity test. Stopping-power-ratios for the 12 MeV electron calibration beam quality were found to agree within uncertainties to that quoted by current dosimetry protocols. Perturbation factors were found to vary by up-to 4% for the calibration beam depending on the parameter configuration, compared with only 0.8% for the VHEE beam. Beam quality correction factors were found to describe an approximately 10% lower dose than would be originally calculated if a beam quality correction were not accounted for. Moreover, results presented here largely resolve unphysical chamber measurements, such as collection efficiencies greater than 100%, and assist in the accurate determination of absorbed dose and ion recombination in secondary standard ionisation chambers.
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10
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Masilela TAM, Delorme R, Prezado Y. Dosimetry and radioprotection evaluations of very high energy electron beams. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20184. [PMID: 34642417 PMCID: PMC8511248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99645-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Very high energy electrons (VHEEs) represent a promising alternative for the treatment of deep-seated tumors over conventional radiotherapy (RT), owing to their favourable dosimetric characteristics. Given the high energy of the electrons, one of the concerns has been the production of photoneutrons. In this article we explore the consequence, in terms of neutron yield in a water phantom, of using a typical electron applicator in conjunction with a 2 GeV and 200 MeV VHEE beam. Additionally, we evaluate the resulting ambient neutron dose equivalent at various locations between the phantom and a concrete wall. Through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations it was found that an applicator acts to reduce the depth of the dose build-up region, giving rise to lower exit doses but higher entrance doses. Furthermore, neutrons are injected into the entrance region of the phantom. The highest dose equivalent found was approximately 1.7 mSv/Gy in the vicinity of the concrete wall. Nevertheless, we concluded that configurations of VHEEs studied in this article are similar to conventional proton therapy treatments in terms of their neutron yield and ambient dose equivalent. Therefore, a clinical implementation of VHEEs would likely not warrant additional radioprotection safeguards compared to conventional RT treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thongchai A M Masilela
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, 91400, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Rachel Delorme
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LPSC-IN2P3, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Yolanda Prezado
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, 91400, Orsay, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, 91400, Orsay, France.
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11
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Ronga MG, Cavallone M, Patriarca A, Leite AM, Loap P, Favaudon V, Créhange G, De Marzi L. Back to the Future: Very High-Energy Electrons (VHEEs) and Their Potential Application in Radiation Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4942. [PMID: 34638424 PMCID: PMC8507836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of innovative approaches that would reduce the sensitivity of healthy tissues to irradiation while maintaining the efficacy of the treatment on the tumor is of crucial importance for the progress of the efficacy of radiotherapy. Recent methodological developments and innovations, such as scanned beams, ultra-high dose rates, and very high-energy electrons, which may be simultaneously available on new accelerators, would allow for possible radiobiological advantages of very short pulses of ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) therapy for radiation therapy to be considered. In particular, very high-energy electron (VHEE) radiotherapy, in the energy range of 100 to 250 MeV, first proposed in the 2000s, would be particularly interesting both from a ballistic and biological point of view for the establishment of this new type of irradiation technique. In this review, we examine and summarize the current knowledge on VHEE radiotherapy and provide a synthesis of the studies that have been published on various experimental and simulation works. We will also consider the potential for VHEE therapy to be translated into clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ronga
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
- Thales AVS Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems, 78141 Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
| | - Marco Cavallone
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Annalisa Patriarca
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Amelia Maia Leite
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
- INSERM LITO U1288, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, 91898 Orsay, France
| | - Pierre Loap
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Vincent Favaudon
- INSERM U 1021-CNRS UMR 3347, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, 91898 Orsay, France;
| | - Gilles Créhange
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Ludovic De Marzi
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
- INSERM LITO U1288, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, 91898 Orsay, France
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