Investigating particle track topology for range telescopes in particle radiography using convolutional neural networks.

Background: Proton computed tomography (pCT) and radiography (pRad) are proposed modalities for improved treatment plan accuracy and treatment validation in proton therapy. The pCT system of the Bergen pCT collaboration is able to handle very high particle intensities by means of track reconstruction. However, incorrectly reconstructed and secondary tracks degrade the image quality.

Design optimization of a pixel-based range telescope for proton computed tomography.

Purpose: A pixel-based range telescope for tracking particles during proton imaging is described. The detector applies a 3D matrix of stacked Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors with fast readout speeds. This study evaluates different design alternatives of the range telescope on basis of the protons' range accuracy and the track reconstruction efficiency.

Estimated risk of radiation-induced cancer following paediatric cranio-spinal irradiation with electron, photon and proton therapy.

Background: Improvement in radiotherapy during the past decades has made the risk of developing a radiation-induced secondary cancer as a result of dose to normal tissue a highly relevant survivorship issue. Important factors expected to influence secondary cancer risk include dose level and dose heterogeneity, as well as gender and type of tissue irradiated. The elevated radio-sensitivity in children calls for models particularly tailored to paediatric cancer patients.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of pelvic lymph nodes in locally advanced prostate cancer: planning procedures and early experiences.

Purpose: We present planning and early clinical outcomes of a study of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for locally advanced prostate cancer.

Methods And Materials: A total of 43 patients initially treated with an IMRT plan delivering 50 Gy to the prostate, seminal vesicles, and pelvic lymph nodes, followed by a conformal radiotherapy (CRT) plan delivering 20 Gy to the prostate and seminal vesicles, were studied. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) data for the added plans were compared with dose-volume histogram data for the sum of two CRT plans for 15 cases.

Relative electron dosimetry using the Scanditronix-Wellhöfer Beam Imaging System-2G.

The Beam Imaging System 2G (BIS-2G) from Scanditronix-Wellhöfer is a two-dimensional (2D) charge-coupled device (CCD)-camera that measures the scintillation light produced by incident radiation. We examined the performance of the BIS-2G as a tool in quality control of patient boluses. In an attempt to simplify the production of the patient boluses, bolus edges were built as staircases and the dose distributions were measured and compared to the dose profiles below corresponding sloped bolus edges.

Measurements and treatment planning calculations of electron dose distributions below bolus edges.

Electron dose distributions below bolus edges of various thicknesses and angles were measured using a diode in a water phantom. The measurements were compared with treatment planning calculations using the gamma method. Below 5 mm boluses, the dose variations were acceptable for all angles, while for boluses thicker than 5mm, the lowest edge gave the smallest dose variations.