Presenter of 1 Presentation
Photons
Author Of 2 Presentations
Photons
3D HIGH SPEED RF BEAM SCANNER FOR HADRON THERAPY OF CANCER
Abstract
Background and Aims
Treatment of cancer using actively scanned hadron pencil beams (protons and light ions) has major clinical advantages over treatments using photons. However, current methods used to adjust beam energies by degrading the beam are not compatible with the high dose rates needed for FLASH therapy. We are pursuing the demonstration of a compact accelerator technology to rapidly scan the energy and the trajectory of the hadron pencil beam to deposit the desired dose at FLASH dose rates.
Methods
We utilize RF energy modulation and deflection to enable a dose delivery of 50 Gy/L/s. Very fast irradiation presents many benefits to patients: (1) it solves the issue of patient motion and thus removes the need for tracking organ motion during irradiation (motion-adapted radiation therapy); it implies single- or hypofractionated treatments which will (2) increase dramatically patient throughput and (3) present biological benefits.
Results
We will present key innovations for energy modulation and lateral steering, including the design, optimization, and testing of critical components of an RF accelerator, RF deflector, and a PMQ. We have modeled dose deposition in phantoms with realistic beam parameters. We will also present our approach to integrating these technologies at a clinical beamline, monitoring dose deposition on a phantom target, and utilizing this information for treatment planning.
Conclusions
The scanner can be adjusted to cover the depth and lateral extent of the tumor while maintaining the quality of the pencil beam. Scanner operation in a clinical setting will provide definitive proof that the approach is viable and compatible with high dose rate FLASH.