Shoot-through proton FLASH irradiation lowers linear energy transfer in organs at risk for neurological tumors and is robust against density variations DOI Creative Commons
Esther Kneepkens, Cecile J A Wolfs, R Wanders

et al.

Physics in Medicine and Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 68(21), P. 215020 - 215020

Published: Oct. 11, 2023

Objective. The goal of the study was to test hypothesis that shoot-through FLASH proton beams would lead lower dose-averaged LET (LETD) values in critical organs, while providing at least equal normal tissue sparing as clinical therapy plans.Approach. For five neurological tumor patients, pencil beam scanning (PBS) plans were made, using maximum energy 227 MeV and assuming a hypothetical protective factor (FPF) 1.5. effect different FPF ranging from 1.2 1.8 on goals also considered. LETDwas calculated for plan plan, applying 2 Gy total dose threshold (RayStation 8 A/9B 9A-IonRPG). Robust evaluation performed considering density uncertainty (±3% throughout entire volume).Main results.Clinical showed large LETDvariations compared LETDin OAR is 1.2-8 times latter. Although less conformal, met same plans, protection factors above 1.4. more robust uncertainties with D2%increase 0.6 versus 5.7 plans.Significance.Shoot-through avoid LETDdistributions range, provide adequate target coverage, meet planning constraints are variations.

Language: Английский

Data Processing Engine (DPE): data analysis tool for particle tracking and mixed radiation field characterization with pixel detectors Timepix DOI Open Access
Lukáš Marek, Carlos Granja, J. Jakůbek

et al.

Journal of Instrumentation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(04), P. C04026 - C04026

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Hybrid semiconductor pixelated detectors from the Timepix family are advanced for online particle tracking, offering energy measurement and precise time stamping capabilities particles of various types energies. This inherent capability makes them highly suitable applications, including imaging, medical fields such as radiotherapy therapy, space-based applications aboard satellites International Space Station, industrial applications. The data generated by these is complex, necessitating development deployment analytical techniques to extract essential information. For this purpose, aid user community, it was designed developed “Data Processing Engine” (DPE) an tool processing explicitly detectors. functionality DPE structured into three distinct levels: i) Pre-processing: phase involves clusterization application necessary calibrations corrections. ii) Processing: stage includes classification, employing machine learning algorithms, recognition radiation fields. iii) Post-processing: analyses, directional analysis, coincidence frame Compton generation physics products, performed. core supported extensive experimental database containing referential typical environments, protons, ions, electrons, gamma rays X rays, well thermal fast neutrons. To enhance accessibility, implemented interface platforms a command-line tool, programming interface, graphical in form web portal. DPE's broad utility exemplified through its integration developments.

Language: Английский

Citations

11

Configuration of Timepix3 read-out parameters for spectral measurements in proton therapy applications DOI Creative Commons
Paulina Stasica, Cristina Oancea, Carlos Granja

et al.

Physica Medica, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 130, P. 104885 - 104885

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

1

Characterisation of a customised 4-chip Timepix3 module for charged-particle tracking DOI Creative Commons
Laurent Kelleter, Stefan W. Schmidt,

M. Subramanian

et al.

Radiation Measurements, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 173, P. 107086 - 107086

Published: March 7, 2024

Ion-beam radiotherapy is a growing cancer treatment modality because it offers superior dose distribution in the patient compared with conventional using X-rays. Thanks to their versatility, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) increasingly gain interest for research into ion imaging and ion-beam characterisation. Timepix3 hybrid semiconductor pixel detector, which nanosecond time binning as well dead-time-free noise-free data-driven readout at pitch of 55 µm × µm. In this work, novel 4-chip mini-tracker (quad module) was characterised therapeutic proton beam. The quad module has two detection layers equipped chips each, are stacked like particle telescope distance 20.3 mm. layer, share same sensitive silicon sensor. surface area sensor approximately 28 mm 14 Apart from pixels chip edges masked pixels, showed uniform counting response mono-energetic irradiation without noticeable defects. measurement accuracy energy deposition found be better than 1 % 340 keV. synchronisation between four systematic delays up 25 ns. When these corrected, resolution (1.17 ± 0.03) could further improved implementation time-walk correction. It concluded that fulfils requirements used charged-particle tracker radiotherapy. Future testing will focus on radiation hardness, dose-rate dependence high-LET radiation.

Language: Английский

Citations

6

Machine learning models for single-particle classification with Timepix 3 detector DOI

K. Sykorova,

Zdeněk Buk, Miroslav Čepek

et al.

Journal of Instrumentation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 20(01), P. C01028 - C01028

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract Semiconductor hybrid pixel detectors with Timepix 3 chips developed by Medipix collaboration at CERN can simultaneously measure deposited energy and time of arrival individual particle hits in all 256 × pixels 55 μm pitch size. Leveraging the single-particle detection sensitivity these chips, there is a potential to develop algorithms for classifying detected single particles into distinct categories corresponding different types. In this study, various machine learning models are introduced, such as recurrent feedforward neural networks or gradient boosted decision trees, designed facilitate classification events classes associated electrons & photons, alpha particles, heavy nuclei (except particles), low protons ( E ≲ 100 MeV) high ≳ MeV). All achieve outcomes true positive rate nearing 100% across classes. The Gaussian Mixture unsupervised technique used differentiate between electron photon radiation components. model effectively distinguished high-energy low-energy achieving performance comparable conventionally heuristic trees. trained tested on an extensive database experimental data obtained from controlled source experiments.

Language: Английский

Citations

0

Spectral-tracking characterization and wide-range monitoring of scattered and secondary radiation in proton therapy DOI
Carlos Granja,

Samuel Kurucz,

J. Šolc

et al.

Journal of Instrumentation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 20(04), P. C04026 - C04026

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract In particle radiotherapy practice it is valuable to examine, accurately measure and monitor the secondary radiation fields produced during treatment. Measurements performed non-invasively out-of-field avoid interfering with modifying delivered dose Use of a simplified compact device advantageous for reduced cost effort deployment operation. For this purpose, we examine in detail scattered beam particles field well beyond even meters away from irradiated area proton therapy. We use semiconductor pixel detector Timepix3 implemented as miniaturized camera which mounted at ceiling treatment room. The provides high-resolution per-pixel spectrometry time, position, directional tracking response. Applying imaging techniques together extensive experimental calibrations well-defined fields, single composition spectral-tracking characterization complex fields. particular, position evaluated unfolded into spectral-directional groups serve map characteristics origin out field. Detailed fluxes rates, total partial, are measured sub-second time resolution. Deposited energy distributions sensor derived wide range. Verification complementary information provided by numerical Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations. combined results presented technique can be potentially used inspect systematically evaluate quality assurance irradiations plans.

Language: Английский

Citations

0

Radiation measurements using Timepix3 with silicon sensor and bare chip in proton beams for FLASH radiotherapy DOI
Cristina Oancea, J. Šolc, Carlos Granja

et al.

Journal of Instrumentation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 20(04), P. C04030 - C04030

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract This study investigates the response of Timepix3 semiconductor pixel detectors in proton beams varying intensities, with a focus on FLASH therapy. Using application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, we measured spatial and spectral characteristics 220 MeV delivered short pulses. The experimental setup involved Minipix readout electronics chipboard flexible architecture, an Advapix silicon sensor. Measurements were carried out equipped gallium arsenide (GaAs) (Si) sensors. We also investigated bare ASIC chip (without sensor). placed within waterproof holder attached to positioning system IBA Blue water phantom, additional measurements performed air behind 2 cm-thick polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom. results demonstrated capability measure time-over-threshold (ToT, deposited energy) event counts (number events pixel) both conventional ultra-high-dose-rates (UHDR) beams. configuration sustained up dose rate (DR) 270 Gy/s, maximum tested intensity, although it exhibited limited resolution due low detection efficiency. In contrast, GaAs sensors showed saturation at DR∼5 Gy/s. Furthermore, detector was used standard customized configurations. (Ikrum = 5), But, when per-pixel discharging signal (called “Ikrum”) increased 80), enhanced performance by reducing duration ToT signal, allowing beam spot imaging DR=∼28 Gy/s plateau region Bragg curve. For such DR or higher, frame acquisition time reduced order microseconds, meaning only fraction pulse (with lengths milliseconds) captured.

Language: Английский

Citations

0

Composition and Spectral Characterization of Mixed-Radiation Fields With Enhanced Discrimination by Quantum Imaging Detection DOI
Carlos Granja, J. Šolc, J. Gajewski

et al.

IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 71(4), P. 921 - 931

Published: Feb. 26, 2024

Mixed-radiation fields in environments such as particle radiotherapy and outer space exhibit large complexity terms of composition spectral distribution which are difficult to measure detail. For this purpose, we present a high-sensitivity technique using the pixel detector Timepix3 spectral-tracking characterization secondary produced proton radiotherapy. Particle-event classes resolved into broad groups high-energy transfer particles (HETPs), protons, ions, neutrons, well low-energy (LETPs), electrons, X-rays, and, partly, gamma rays. The quantum-imaging capability is exploited enhance resolving power for particle-type classification. tracks analyzed by spectral-sensitive pattern recognition algorithms. response matrix newly derived based on experimental calibrations well-defined radiation including in-beam rotational scans protons performed at various energies directions. Clinical beams radiotherapeutic intensities range 225–12 MeV were used configurations with without tissue-equivalent phantom. Detailed results components can be produce total partial fluxes, dose rate, absorbed dose, deposited energy, linear-energy-transfer (LET) spectra. Dedicated Monte Carlo (MC) simulations compared field composition, fluence, energy. numerical information aids interpretation data, includes also neutrons. developed methodology applied research routine measurements varying complexity.

Language: Английский

Citations

3

Status of LET assessment with active and passive detectors in ion beams DOI Creative Commons
Jeppe Brage Christensen, Iván Domingo Muñoz, P. Bilski

et al.

Radiation Measurements, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 177, P. 107252 - 107252

Published: July 24, 2024

This review explores current experimental methods for determining the radiation quality in ion beams. In this context, is commonly evaluated using averaged linear energy transfer (LET), a metric employed to assess response of both biological and physical systems. Dose LET can be experimentally determined with passive detectors through various techniques that have seen recent improvements. Another related mean lineal energy, which measurable microdosimetric detectors. focuses on available possibilities evaluating three microdosimeters (mini-TEPC, Silicon Telescope, SOI Microplus), luminescence (based optical, thermo-, radiophoto-luminescence), track-based (track-etched detector, Timepix, fluorescent nuclear track detector), chemical detector based alanine. A comparison properties provided along an overview underlying mechanisms enabling assessment or measurements each type. Finally, summarizes determination respect needs assurance particle therapy. Areas future research development are suggested.

Language: Английский

Citations

3

Towards precise LET measurements based on energy deposition of therapeutic ions in Timepix3 detectors DOI Creative Commons

Renato Félix‐Bautista,

Yasmin Hamad,

Tomás Yáñez-González

et al.

Physics in Medicine and Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 69(12), P. 125030 - 125030

Published: May 30, 2024

Abstract Objective. There is an increasing interest in calculating and measuring linear energy transfer (LET) spectra particle therapy order to assess their impact biological terms. As such, the accuracy of fluence becomes paramount. This study focuses on quantifying depositions distinct proton, helium, carbon, oxygen ion beams using a silicon pixel detector developed at CERN determine LET silicon. Approach. While detection systems have been investigated this pursuit, scarcity detectors capable providing per-ion data with high spatial temporal resolution remains issue. gap where technology steps in, enabling online tracking single-ion deposition. The used consisted 300 µ m thick sensor operated partial depletion. Main results. During post-processing, artifacts acquired signals were identified methods for corrections developed. Subsequently, correlation between measured Monte Carlo-based simulated deposition distributions was performed, relying two-step recalibration approach based saturating exponential models. Despite observed saturation effects, deviations confined below 7% across entire range track-averaged values from 0.77 keV −1 93.16 . Significance. Simulated mean found be aligned within 7%, after applying artifact corrections. extends accessible clinically relevant validates reliability measurements. These findings pave way towards LET-based dosimetry through translate these measurements water. will addressed future study, extending functionality treatment planning into clinical routine, potential ion-beam utmost precision cancer patients.

Language: Английский

Citations

2

Particle tracking, recognition and LET evaluation of out-of-field proton therapy delivered to a phantom with implants DOI
Cristina Balan, Carlos Granja,

G. V. Mytsin

et al.

Physics in Medicine and Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 69(16), P. 165006 - 165006

Published: July 10, 2024

This study aims to assess the composition of scattered particles generated in proton therapy for tumors situated proximal some titanium (Ti) dental implants. The investigation involves decomposing mixed field and recording Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectra quantify influence metallic inserts located behind tumor.

Language: Английский

Citations

2