The challenge of measuring prompt gamma-rays emitted during proton therapy treatments

Fecha: 10 de marzo de 2022.
Hora: 10:00 a 11:00 horas.
Lugar: Aula A13 de la Facultad de Ciencias.
Ponente: Fernando Hueso González, Instituto de Física Corpuscular, CSIC, Valencia.

In radiotherapy, tumors can be treated with the use of high-energy photons, as well as accelerated electrons or protons. In the case of proton therapy, protons are accelerated up to two thirds of the speed of light before irradiating the patient. A trace of prompt gamma-rays is emitted instantaneously across the track traversed by the protons until their stopping point inside the tissue. The measurement of these gamma-rays allows for the reconstruction of the proton stopping point to ensure a correct treatment delivery. However, it remains extremely challenging to measure these in a clinical scenario, during the treatment. In this seminar, the different methods and systems proposed to date will be reviewed: collimated cameras, Compton cameras, pair production cameras, time of flight detectors, energy spectroscopy detectors and counting detectors; and their future clinical applicability will be discussed.

Seminario del Máster en Física: Radiaciones, Nanotecnología, Partículas y Astrofísica.