Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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Tackling range uncertainty in proton therapy: Development and evaluation of a new multi-slit prompt-gamma camera (MSPGC) system

  • Youngmo Ku (Depaprtment of Nuclear Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Sehoon Choi (Depaprtment of Nuclear Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Jaeho Cho (Depaprtment of Nuclear Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Sehyun Jang (Depaprtment of Nuclear Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Jong Hwi Jeong (Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center) ;
  • Sung Hun Kim (Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center) ;
  • Sungkoo Cho (Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • Chan Hyeong Kim (Depaprtment of Nuclear Engineering, Hanyang University)
  • Received : 2023.04.18
  • Accepted : 2023.05.22
  • Published : 2023.09.25
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Abstract

In theory, the sharp dose falloff at the distal end of a proton beam allows for high conformal dose to the target. However, conformity has not been fully achieved in practice, primarily due to beam range uncertainty, which is approximately 4% and varies slightly across institutions. To address this issue, we developed a new range verification system prototype: a multi-slit prompt-gamma camera (MSPGC). This system features high prompt-gamma detection sensitivity, an advanced range estimation algorithm, and a precise camera positioning system. We evaluated the range measurement precision of the prototype for single spot beams with varying energies, proton quantities, and positions, as well as for spot-scanning proton beams in a simulated SSPT treatment using a phantom. Our results demonstrated high accuracy (<0.4 mm) in range measurement for the tested beam energies and positions. Measurement precision increased significantly with the number of protons, achieving 1% precision with 5 × 108 protons. For spot-scanning proton beams, the prototype ensured more than 5 × 108 protons per spot with a 7 mm or larger spot aggregation, achieving 1% range measurement precision. Based on these findings, we anticipate that the clinical application of the new prototype will reduce range uncertainty (currently approximately 4%) to 1% or less.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the National Cancer Center Grants (NCC-2110390-3), Korea. Additionally, it received support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2019M2D2A1A02059814). The study was also backed by Field-oriented Technology Development Project for Customs Administration through National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science & ICT and Korea Customs Service (NRF-2021M3I1A1097895). Lastly, the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant, funded by the Korea government (Ministry of Science and ICT) (RS-2022-00144350), contributed to the research.

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