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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Using Synchrotron Radiation Microtomography to Investigate Multi-scale Three-dimensional Microelectronic Packages
Published on: April 13, 2016
Image guidance protocol for synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy
Daniele Pelliccia1, Christopher M Poole1, Jayde Livingstone2
1School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
Abstract:
The protocol for image-guided microbeam radiotherapy (MRT) developed for the Australian Synchrotron's Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) is described. The protocol has been designed for the small-animal MRT station of IMBL to enable future preclinical trials on rodents. The image guidance procedure allows for low-dose monochromatic imaging at 50 keV and subsequent semi-automated sample alignment in 3D with sub-100 µm accuracy. Following the alignment, a beamline operation mode change is performed and the relevant beamline components are automatically aligned for the treatment (pink) beam to be delivered on the sample. Here, the small-animal MRT station, the parameters and procedures for the image guidance protocol, as well as the experimental imaging results using phantoms are described. Furthermore, the experimental validation of the protocol using 3D PRESAGE(®) dosimeters is reported. It is demonstrated that the sample alignment is maintained after the mode change and the treatment can be delivered within the same spatial accuracy of 100 µm. The results indicate that the proposed approach is viable for preclinical trials of small-animal MRT.
Insights
A new image-guided microbeam radiotherapy (MRT) protocol for small animals enables precise sample alignment for preclinical trials. This ensures accurate treatment delivery, maintaining sub-100 µm accuracy for rodent studies.
Area of Science:
- Medical physics
- Radiotherapy research
- Preclinical imaging
Background:
- Microbeam radiotherapy (MRT) offers potential advantages for cancer treatment.
- Preclinical studies in rodents are crucial for advancing MRT techniques.
- Accurate sample positioning is essential for effective MRT delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate an image-guided protocol for small-animal MRT at the Australian Synchrotron's Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL).
- To enable precise, automated sample alignment for preclinical MRT trials.
- To ensure accurate treatment delivery with high spatial accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Development of a semi-automated image guidance protocol using low-dose monochromatic imaging (50 keV).
- Implementation of a beamline mode change for switching between imaging and treatment beams.
- Validation using phantoms and 3D PRESAGE® dosimeters to assess alignment accuracy.
Main Results:
- Achieved sub-100 µm 3D sample alignment accuracy.
- Demonstrated maintenance of spatial accuracy (100 µm) after beamline mode change.
- Experimental validation confirmed the protocol's viability for preclinical MRT.
Conclusions:
- The developed image-guided MRT protocol is effective for small-animal studies.
- The protocol ensures precise sample alignment and accurate treatment delivery.
- This approach supports the progression of MRT research towards clinical applications.
