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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies

Published on: February 6, 2019

Analytical shielding calculations for a proton therapy facility.

Stephen Avery¹, Chris Ainsley, Richard Maughan

¹Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., 2 Donner, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. avery@xrt.upenn.edu

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

|May 20, 2008

Summary

Neutron shielding is crucial for new proton therapy centers. This study analyzed neutron production and dose equivalents using GEANT4 simulations and analytical methods to ensure safety in the University of Pennsylvania

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Published on: December 14, 2017

Area of Science:

Medical Physics
Radiation Oncology
Nuclear Engineering

Background:

Proton therapy facilities require robust neutron shielding.
The University of Pennsylvania is developing a new proton therapy center in collaboration with Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Understanding neutron production and dose is critical for radiation safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate neutron shielding requirements for a new proton therapy facility.
To estimate neutron production using Monte Carlo simulations.
To calculate dose equivalents at critical points within the facility.

Main Methods:

Utilized GEANT4 (v6.2) simulation code for neutron spectra calculations.
Simulated neutron spectra for materials including water, carbon, iron, nickel, and tantalum.
Employed analytical methods to determine dose equivalents, incorporating NCRP Report #144 data.

Main Results:

Estimated neutron production at proton beam energies of 100, 175, and 250 MeV.
Calculated dose equivalents at various critical points within the proposed facility.
Provided data essential for designing effective neutron shielding.

Conclusions:

Neutron shielding considerations were thoroughly investigated for the new proton therapy facility.
The study provides crucial data for ensuring radiation safety and regulatory compliance.
Findings support the safe operation of advanced proton therapy centers.