Small Field Dosimetry Challenges
Accurate dosimetry in small radiation fields is critical for modern radiotherapy techniques such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). However, achieving precise measurements in these conditions has historically presented significant challenges due to factors such as volume averaging effects, energy dependence, and detector positioning.
First Breakthrough Results Presented at Scientific Meeting
The capabilities of the HYPERSCINT™ scintillation dosimetry solution were first highlighted during presentations at the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists and American Association of Physicists in Medicine Annual Scientific Meetings in 2021 and 2022 by Luc Gingras, Mathieu Goulet and Magali Besnier (medical physicists at CHU de Québec – Université Laval and CRIC – Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis. These preliminary research demonstrated the promising potential of Medscint scintillator’s technology to easily and precisely characterize small fields physical properties of state-of-art standard VARIAN and ELEKTA linear accelerators, showcasing significant advancements over conventional dosimetry technologies.
Click on the image below to access content of the abstracts and presentations:
A New Publication Validates the HYPERSCINT’s Superior Performance for Small Fields
Further validation and detailed results have now been published by L. Gingras et al. in the AAPM journal Medical Physics, confirming the initial findings and reinforcing the value of using HYPERSCINT detectors for simplifying and improving small field dosimetry measurements. This peered reviewed and freely accessible paper, titled “Field output correction factors using a scintillation detector”, outlines the unique robustness and efficiency of the HYPERSCINT scintillation dosimetry solution.
The publication also showcases the characterization of HYPERSCINT detector and how its unique design (obtained via advanced Monte Carlo simulations) leads to true correction-less dosimetric performances across all fields (0.6-40cm) — an important advancement for small field dosimetry!
Advantages of HYPERSCINT™ for Small Field Dosimetry
The HYPERSCINT solution offers several key benefits that directly address common small field dosimetry challenges:
- High Precision: Provides accurate measurements even in very small fields, greatly reducing the uncertainties associated with conventional detectors.
- Correction-less Design: Eliminates the need for complex correction factors, simplifying the measurement process and reducing potential sources of error.
- Real-Time Measurements: Offers instantaneous dose readouts, enabling rapid validation and adjustment.
- Robust and Reliable: Demonstrates excellent performance consistency across varying conditions and field sizes thanks to its correction-less design.
The adoption of the HYPERSCINT scintillation dosimetry solution by leading research institutions highlights its capability to enhance precision and safety in radiotherapy. As dosimetry requirements continue to evolve, Medscint remains committed to delivering innovative technologies that empower clinicians and researchers to achieve optimal patient outcomes.