Real-time dosimetry using scintillator technology in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Accurate real-time dosimetry is crucial for Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET) to ensure effective treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and other skin malignancies.
• Minimizing toxicity to healthy tissues requires precise dose delivery during TSET.
• Existing dosimetry methods may lack the real-time precision needed for complex TSET applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an advanced scintillator-based real-time dosimetry system for TSET.
• To enhance dosimetry precision and reliability in TSET treatments.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using scintillators for real-time dose monitoring in TSET.

Main Methods:

• Development of a scintillator-based dosimetry system utilizing Cherenkov imaging cameras.
• Phantom studies with vertically positioned scintillators and diode references at a 5-meter source-to-surface distance (SSD).
• Analysis of in vivo patient data to assess scintillator response variations and identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Scintillator signals were captured and corrected using Cherenkov imaging, showing consistency with diode measurements in phantom studies.
• In vivo patient data revealed scintillator response variability influenced by positioning and camera selection.
• The study confirmed scintillators as a feasible option for real-time dosimetry in TSET.

Conclusions:

• Scintillator-based dosimetry is a viable approach for real-time monitoring in Total Skin Electron Therapy.
• Strict standardization of scintillator placement and patient positioning is essential for accurate clinical implementation.
• Further research and standardization are needed to optimize scintillator dosimetry for widespread TSET applications.