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Updated: Jun 8, 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

Contribution to Neutron Fluence and Neutron Absorbed Dose from Double Scattering Proton Therapy System Components.

A Pérez-Andújar¹, W D Newhauser, P M Deluca

¹University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Avenue, 4111 HSLC, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-2221.

Nuclear Technology

|September 28, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Secondary neutrons from proton therapy nozzles are a concern. Monte Carlo simulations show the range modulator wheel and snout significantly increase neutron dose, aiding shielding design.

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Area of Science:

Medical Physics
Radiation Oncology
Particle Therapy

Background:

Proton therapy provides dosimetric advantages for deep-seated tumors.
Passive scattering proton therapy systems can generate harmful secondary neutrons.
Understanding neutron production within treatment nozzles is crucial for patient and staff safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify neutron production and distribution downstream of major components in a passive scattering proton therapy nozzle.
To investigate the impact of nozzle components, specifically the range modulator wheel and snout, on neutron absorbed dose.
To provide data for optimizing shielding design within proton therapy treatment rooms.

Main Methods:

Utilized Monte Carlo simulations to model neutron transport and production.
Analyzed neutron fluence and energy distribution at various radial distances downstream of nozzle components.
Calculated neutron absorbed dose per primary proton in the vicinity of the nozzle.

Main Results:

Neutron fluence peaked downstream of the range modulator wheel (RMW) and decreased with increasing distance.
The final collimator and snout were significant sources of high-energy neutrons.
The presence of a snout increased the neutron absorbed dose per proton at the isocenter by a factor of 20 for small treatment volumes.

Conclusions:

The RMW, collimator, and snout are key contributors to neutron production in passive scattering proton therapy.
Simulation results highlight the need for effective local shielding within the treatment nozzle.
Findings inform improved design of shielding components and better assessment of treatment room shielding requirements.