Background

Ion beam therapy offers an effective mode of treatment and can be directed with high precision, causing fewer side effects. With the advancement of technology there is still a room for improvement in the range verification as it determines the quality of the treatment. This invention describes a detector and a method for tracking the arrival time of single particles in the patient during the proton and ion beam therapy. The detector element was constructed and integrated into a combined evaluation device for time-of-flight measurements of prompt-gamma following the interaction of single particles within the tissue of the patient. The detector is used for tracking the arrival time of single particles and the evaluation device determines the prompt gamma radiation. Both information is combined to achieve optimal time and spatial resolution.

Technology Overview

A detector for tracking the arrival time of single particles comprises a scintillating material in the form of scintillating fibers layers perpendicular to the direction of the beam (). The scintillating material is responsible for generating the radiation and further a detector element measures the signal from the radiation. After the interaction of the incident ion beam with the patient, prompt gamma radiation is measured. A processor is configured for the verification of the single particle range and dose delivered to the patient based on the prompt gamma radiation and the arrival time of the single particle.

Stage of Development

The small-scale prototype was investigated for an irradiation area of 4 X 3 cm². The single carbon ions were tracked up to the maximum clinical intensities. Proton beams are however more challenging. New configurations within the embodiments of the filed patent are being evaluated to handle the very high proton intensities.

Benefits

The detector and the method is capable of tracking the arrival time of a single particle in the ion beam, which is useful in prompt gamma imaging applications. The large size of the envisioned detector is useful to scan large areas within the patient and obtain the detailed information about the time structure of the beam. This method improves the accuracy of the treatment delivery by reducing the particle range uncertainties. A good time resolution was already achievable and will be further improved. Particle identification based on the energy deposition can be used for beam diagnostics of the incident beam.

Applications

This invention provides a method for the verification of the particle range and dose delivery in a patient by tracking single particles. The dose difference between the treatment plan and data acquired during the actual treatment can be detected and verified by means of time-of-flight measurements of prompt-gamma following the interaction of single particles within the tissue of the patient.

Opportunity

• Licensing
• Development partner