Speaker
Descrizione
In this presentation, the deliverables 1.5.4, 1.5.5, 1.5.6, 1.5.7 and 1.5.8 will be discussed.
The ElectronFlash linac performances have been characterized using both active and passive dosimeters and the reference conditions have been established.
We developed and validated, trough experimental data, a framework based on MonteCarlo simulations tuned with the ElectronFlash main parameters. Our simulations are performed on CT scans of both animals and patients. Regarding animals, even though the simulations led us to dose maps to better plan the experimental set-up, a custom imaging and positioning system is necessary and will be developed through cascade tenders.
To achieve the construction and use of a positioning and centering system for patients, it is necessary to first go through a system suitable for small animals. We also developed a treatment planning system based on MonteCarlo simulations validated using a water phantom. We can vary among all ElectronFlash parameters. Additionally, we are developing a beam shaper device to further optimize the PTV coverage without affecting the beam dosimetric parameters. In the optimization phase, we can also account for water-equivalent bolus. Additionally, the TPS can calculate the key beam parameters to use in FLASH irradiations, such as the average dose-rate, instantaneous dose-rate and dose-per-pulse along with dose volume histograms (DVHs) to evaluate PTV and OARs coverage. Once obtained the experimental thresholds (functions) that describe the FLASH sparing effect, we can incorporate them into the evaluation of DVHs to obtain the RBE-weighted DVHs.
