Simulation and experimental validation of a prototype electron beam linear accelerator for preclinical studies.

Area of Science:

• Medical physics
• Radiation oncology
• Preclinical research

Background:

• High-dose-rate electron beams are investigated for their potential to protect normal tissues during radiation therapy.
• Accurate dose distribution modeling is crucial for small animal irradiation experiments in preclinical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model and validate the dose distribution of a prototype Kinetron linear accelerator (LINAC) for small animal irradiations.
• To compare Monte Carlo simulations with experimental measurements for accurate dosimetry.

Main Methods:

• Simulated dose distributions using the GATE/Geant4 Monte Carlo platform.
• Measured dose distributions in air and solid water phantoms using scintillating screens and EBT-XD films.
• Validated beam emittance and compared experimental and simulated dose profiles.

Main Results:

• Monte Carlo simulations showed good agreement with experimental measurements, with dose differences less than 2%.
• Beam emittance validation confirmed accuracy with deviations less than 1 mm.
• Simulations accurately predicted dose distributions in voxelized mouse CT images.

Conclusions:

• The presented Monte Carlo simulation method, with minimal free parameters, is suitable for modeling very-high dose-rate electron irradiations.
• This validated dosimetry approach supports the analysis of preclinical radiobiological studies.