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The first PET glimpse of a proton FLASH beam
F Abouzahr1, J P Cesar1, P Crespo2,3
1Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|May 4, 2023
Summary
This study presents the first positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging and dosimetry of a FLASH proton beam. This new PET modality shows promise for enhanced imaging and monitoring in FLASH proton therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- FLASH proton therapy offers potential advantages over conventional radiation therapy due to its ultra-high dose rate delivery.
- Accurate real-time imaging and dosimetry are crucial for effective and safe implementation of FLASH proton therapy.
- Current imaging and dosimetry techniques may not be fully optimized for the unique characteristics of FLASH proton beams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of using positron-emission tomography (PET) for imaging and dosimetry of a FLASH proton beam.
- To evaluate the performance of a specific PET detector system (LYSO crystal arrays with silicon photomultipliers) in a FLASH irradiation environment.
- To explore the potential of PET as a novel modality for quality assurance and treatment monitoring in FLASH proton therapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two scintillating LYSO crystal arrays coupled with silicon photomultipliers for PET data acquisition.
- Configured the PET system with a partial field of view to image a cylindrical poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom irradiated by a 75.8 MeV FLASH proton beam.
- Characterized the radiation environment using cadmium-zinc-telluride and plastic scintillator counters.
- Validated PET imaging results with Monte Carlo simulations.
Main Results:
- Successfully recorded FLASH proton beam events using the implemented PET technology.
- Obtained informative and quantitative imaging and dosimetry data of beam-activated isotopes within the PMMA phantom.
- Preliminary results indicate efficient detection capabilities of the PET system for FLASH irradiation.
- PET data correlated well with Monte Carlo simulations, confirming the accuracy of the measurements.
Conclusions:
- PET imaging and dosimetry are feasible and effective for FLASH proton beams.
- The developed PET system can provide quantitative data for beam monitoring and quality assurance.
- This work establishes a new PET modality with the potential to significantly improve imaging and monitoring in clinical FLASH proton therapy.
