Purpose: This study investigated the potential of a commercially available plastic scintillator, the Exradin W2, as a real-time dosimeter for ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDR) electron beams. This work aimed to characterize this system's performance under UHDR conditions and addressed limitations inherent to other conventional dosimetry systems.
Methods And Materials: We assessed the W2's performance as a UHDR electron dosimeter using a 16 MeV UHDR electron beam from the FLASH research extension (FLEX) system. Additionally, the vendor provided a beta firmware upgrade to better handle the processing of the high signal generated in the UHDR environment. We evaluated the W2 regarding dose-per-pulse, pulse repetition rate, charge versus distance, and pulse linearity. Absorbed dose measurements were compared against those from a plane-parallel ionization chamber, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters and radiochromic film.
Results: We observed that the 1 × 1 mm W2 scintillator with the MAX SD was more suitable for UHDR dosimetry compared to the 1 × 3 mm W2 scintillator, capable of matching film measurements within 2% accuracy for dose-per-pulse up to 3.6 Gy/pulse. The W2 accurately ascertained the inverse square relationship regarding charge versus virtual source distance with R of ∼1.00 for all channels. Pulse linearity was accurately measured with the W2, demonstrating a proportional response to the delivered pulse number. There was no discernible impact on the measured charge of the W2 when switching between the available repetition rates of the FLEX system (18-180 pulses/s), solidifying consistent beam output across pulse frequencies.
Conclusions: This study tested a commercial plastic scintillator detector in a UHDR electron beam, paving the way for its potential use as a real-time, patient-specific dosimetry tool for future FLASH radiotherapy treatments. Further research is warranted to test and improve the signal processing of the W2 dosimetry system to accurately measure in UHDR environments using exceedingly high dose-per-pulse and pulse numbers.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11302813 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/acm2.14451 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Pulsed beam monitoring for electron FLASH.
Med Phys
December 2024
Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Background: Safe implementation and translation of FLASH radiotherapy to the clinic requirehs development of beam monitoring devices capable of high temporal resolution with wide dynamic ranges. Ideal detectors should be able to monitor LINAC pulses, withstand high doses and dose rates, and provide information about the beam output, energy/range, and profile.
Purpose: Two novel detectors have been designed and tested for ultra-high dose-rate (UHDR) monitoring: a multilayer nano-structured 3-layer high-energy-current (HEC3) detector, and a segmented large area, 4-section flat (S4) detector with the goal of exploring their properties for a future combined design.
Characterization of a Time-Resolved, Real-Time Scintillation Dosimetry System for Ultra-High Dose-Rate Radiation Therapy Applications.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys
November 2024
Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Electronic address:
Article Synopsis
- The study characterizes a new scintillation dosimetry system designed for ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) radiotherapy, aiming to effectively handle mean dose rates above 100 Gy/s and doses per pulse that exceed 1.5 Gy.
- The system demonstrated consistent performance with a dose linearity tolerance of ±3%, showing independence from varying dose rates and pulse doses, while maintaining accurate measurements of individual pulse doses delivered at high frequencies.
- With proper calibrations and corrections, this system can provide real-time, millisecond-resolved dosimetry in both conventional and UHDR treatment settings, advancing techniques in FLASH radiotherapy and other related applications.
FLASH Bragg-Peak Irradiation With a Therapeutic Carbon Ion Beam: First In Vivo Results.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys
November 2024
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Biophysics Department, Darmstadt, Germany; Life Science Engineering Department, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, Gießen, Germany.
Purpose: In recent years, ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) irradiation has emerged as a promising innovative approach to cancer treatment. Characteristic feature of this regimen, commonly referred to as FLASH effect, demonstrated primarily for electrons, photons, or protons, is the improved normal tissue sparing, whereas the tumor control is similar to the one of the conventional dose-rate (CDR) treatments. The FLASH mechanism is, however, unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOxygen consumption measurements at ultra-high dose rate over a wide LET range.
Med Phys
November 2024
Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
Background: The role of radiolytic oxygen consumption for the in-vitro "Ultra-High Dose Rate" (UHDR) sparing and in-vivo FLASH effect is subject to active debate, but data on key dependencies such as the radiation quality are lacking.
Purpose: The influence of "dose-averaged Linear Energy Transfer" (LETd) and dose rate on radiolytic oxygen consumption was investigated by monitoring the oxygen concentration during irradiation with electrons, protons, helium, carbon, and oxygen ions at UHDR and "Standard Dose Rates" (SDR).
Methods: Sealed "Bovine Serum Albumin" (BSA) 5% samples were exposed to 15 Gy of electrons and protons, and for the first time helium, carbon, and oxygen ions with LETd values of 1, 5.
Monte Carlo modeling of a commercial machine and experimental setup for FLASH-minibeam irradiations with electrons.
Med Phys
November 2024
Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Radiation Oncology Department, Proton Therapy Centre, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France.
Background: Ultra-high dose rate (UHDR/FLASH) irradiations, along with particle minibeam therapy (PMBT) are both emerging as promising alternatives to current radiotherapy techniques thanks to their improved healthy tissue sparing and similar tumor control.
Purpose: Monte Carlo (MC) modeling of a commercial machine delivering 5-7 MeV electrons at UHDR. This model was used afterward to compare measurements against simulations for an experimental setup combining both FLASH and PMBT modalities.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!