Proton Bragg curve and energy reconstruction using an online scintillator stack detector.

Real-time measurement and characterization of laser-driven proton beams have become crucial with the advent of high-repetition-rate laser acceleration. Common passive diagnostics such as radiochromic film (RCF) are not suitable for real-time operation due to time-consuming post-processing; therefore, a novel approach is needed. Various scintillator-based detectors have recently gained interest as real-time substitutes to RCF-thanks to their fast response for a wide range of dose deposition rates.

Perspectives in linear accelerator for FLASH VHEE: Study of a compact C-band system.

Purpose: In order to translate the FLASH effect in clinical use and to treat deep tumors, Very High Electron Energy irradiations could represent a valid technique. Here, we address the main issues in the design of a VHEE FLASH machine. We present preliminary results for a compact C-band system aiming to reach a high accelerating gradient and high current necessary to deliver a Ultra High Dose Rate with a beam pulse duration of 3μs.

DNA double-strand breaks in cancer cells as a function of proton linear energy transfer and its variation in time.

Purpose: The complex relationship between linear energy transfer (LET) and cellular response to radiation is not yet fully elucidated. To better characterize DNA damage after irradiations with therapeutic protons, we monitored formation and disappearance of DNA double-strand breaks (DNA DSB) as a function of LET and time. Comparisons with conventional γ-rays and high LET carbon ions were also performed.

A radiobiological study of carbon ions of different linear energy transfer in resistant human malignant cell lines.

Purpose: Analysis of elimination of four human radioresistant malignant cell lines to mono-energetic and non mono-energetic incoming carbon ion beams, characterized by different linear energy transfer (LET) qualities is performed. Comparisons with protons from the middle of the therapeutic spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) and reference γ-rays are also included.

Materials And Methods: HTB140 cells were irradiated at five positions, with different LET, along the 62 MeV carbon pristine Bragg peak.

Report on G4-Med, a Geant4 benchmarking system for medical physics applications developed by the Geant4 Medical Simulation Benchmarking Group.

Background: Geant4 is a Monte Carlo code extensively used in medical physics for a wide range of applications, such as dosimetry, micro- and nanodosimetry, imaging, radiation protection, and nuclear medicine. Geant4 is continuously evolving, so it is crucial to have a system that benchmarks this Monte Carlo code for medical physics against reference data and to perform regression testing.

Aims: To respond to these needs, we developed G4-Med, a benchmarking and regression testing system of Geant4 for medical physics.