Towards real-time PGS range monitoring in proton therapy of prostate cancer

• Verfasst von: Magalhães Martins, Paulo [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Freitas, Hugo [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Tessonnier, Thomas [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Ackermann, Benjamin [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Brons, Stephan [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Seco, Joao [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: Towards real-time PGS range monitoring in proton therapy of prostate cancer
• Verf.angabe: Paulo Magalhaes Martins, Hugo Freitas, Thomas Tessonnier, Benjamin Ackermann, Stephan Brons & Joao Seco
• E-Jahr: 2021
• Jahr: 28 Juliy 2021
• Umfang: 13 S.
• Fussnoten: Gesehen am 19.05.2022
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Scientific reports
• Ort Quelle: [London] : Springer Nature, 2011
• Jahr Quelle: 2021
• Band/Heft Quelle: 11(2021), Artikel-ID 15331, Seite 1-13
• ISSN Quelle: 2045-2322
• DOI: doi:10.1038/s41598-021-93612-y
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• Sach-SW: Applied physics
• Sach-SW: Biomedical engineering
• Sach-SW: Prostate
• Sach-SW: Prostate cancer
• Sach-SW: Radiotherapy
• Sach-SW: Techniques and instrumentation
• K10plus-PPN: 1802577254

Abstract

Proton therapy of prostate cancer (PCPT) was linked with increased levels of gastrointestinal toxicity in its early use compared to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The higher radiation dose to the rectum by proton beams is mainly due to anatomical variations. Here, we demonstrate an approach to monitor rectal radiation exposure in PCPT based on prompt gamma spectroscopy (PGS). Endorectal balloons (ERBs) are used to stabilize prostate movement during radiotherapy. These ERBs are usually filled with water. However, other water solutions containing elements with higher atomic numbers, such as silicon, may enable the use of PGS to monitor the radiation exposure of the rectum. Protons hitting silicon atoms emit prompt gamma rays with a specific energy of 1.78 MeV, which can be used to monitor whether the ERB is being hit. In a binary approach, we search the silicon energy peaks for every irradiated prostate region. We demonstrate this technique for both single-spot irradiation and real treatment plans. Real-time feedback based on the ERB being hit column-wise is feasible and would allow clinicians to decide whether to adapt or continue treatment. This technique may be extended to other cancer types and organs at risk, such as the oesophagus.