Dose Measurements at Provision Proton Therapy Center.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Health Physics

Background:

• Proton therapy is an advanced cancer treatment utilizing high-energy protons.
• Proton therapy can generate secondary neutrons and gamma rays, necessitating robust radiation safety measures.
• Effective shielding is paramount for protecting personnel and the public at proton therapy facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of radiation shielding at the Provision Proton Therapy center in Knoxville, TN.
• To measure and compare gamma ray radiation levels inside the treatment room and on the facility's roof.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of gamma ray radiation levels were performed using a NaI(Tl) scintillator detector.
• The Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Simulation (PHITS) Monte Carlo code was employed.
• Detector response functions were used to deconvolute the incident radiation spectrum.

Main Results:

• The implemented shielding effectively protects the public from gamma ray radiation.
• Minimal effective dose was recorded within the proton therapy treatment room.
• Radiation levels on the facility's roof were comparable to natural background radiation.

Conclusions:

• The shielding at the Provision Proton Therapy center is effective against gamma ray radiation.
• The study confirms the safety of the facility for the general public regarding gamma rays.
• Secondary neutron radiation was not evaluated and requires further investigation for comprehensive safety assessment.