Hamburg 2016 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

ST: Fachverband Strahlen- und Medizinphysik

ST 1: DPG meets DGMP

ST 1.3: Invited Talk

Monday, February 29, 2016, 17:30–18:00, VMP6 HS C

Improving the precision of proton radiotherapy: Using prompt gamma rays to measure the proton range in patients - from basic physics to clinical application — •Christian Richter — OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany — Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany — Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany — German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany

Range uncertainties can compromise the physical advantage of proton therapy, namely focusing the maximum dose deposition at the end of the proton track. Currently, substantial safety margins and the irradiation of normal tissue are the consequences. The measurement of the proton range in the patient, so-called in vivo range verification, has been pursued as an important means to reduce range uncertainties. Methods based on the spatial, spectral or temporal pattern of prompt gamma rays emitted during treatment seem promising but have not been applied clinically up to now. After a short introduction in proton therapy, range uncertainties and prompt gamma ray techniques, the translation of a of a prompt gamma ray imaging (PGI) prototype from basic physics experiments up to the worldwide first clinical application of PGI based range verification will be reported. The relative range variation in between different treatment fractions was evaluated.