Field output correction factors using a fully characterized plastic scintillation detector (HYPERSCINT)

1. Small-Field Dosimetry, 7. Commissioning, 9. Advanced Dosimetry, MeV Electron, MV Photon, Beam characterization, Commissioning, Detector comparaison, Energy Dependency, Monte Carlo Simulations, Quality Assurance Show more

As small fields become increasingly important in radiation therapy, accurate dosimetry is essential for ensuring precise dose calculation and treatment optimization. Despite the availability of small volume detectors, small field dosimetry remains challenging. The new plastic scintillation detector (PSD) from the HYPERCINT RP-200 platform from Medscint offers a promising solution with minimal correction requirements for small field measurements.

This study focused on characterizing the field output correction factors of the PSD across a wide range of field sizes and demonstrating its potential for determining correction factors for other small field detectors. Monte Carlo simulations and experimental comparisons were used to assess the system’s performance. The PSD exhibited near-unity correction factors (1.002 to 0.999) across field sizes between 0.6×0.6 cm² and 30×30 cm², with an impressive total uncertainty of 0.5%.

The PSD is shown to be a highly accurate and reliable detector for small field dosimetry, and it can also be used to determine correction factors for other dosimeters with great precision.

MEDICAL PHYSICS (AAPM)
Luc Gingras (1,2), Yunuen Cervantes (1,2,3), Frederic Beaulieu (1,2), Magali Besnier (1,2), Benjamin Coté (4), Simon Lambert-Girard (4), Danahé LeBlanc (4), Yoan LeChasseur (4), François Therriault-Proulx (4), Luc Beaulieu (1,2,3), Louis Archambault (1,2,3) | 1. CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Québec – Canada, 2. Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec – Canada, 3. Université Laval, Québec – Canada, 4. Medscint, Québec – Canada

Radioluminescence-based fibre-optic dosimeters in radiotherapy: a review (incl. HYPERSCINT)

1. Small-Field Dosimetry, 2. Adaptive-RT (ex. MR-LINAC), 3. Treatment Plan (End-to-End) QA, 4. FLASH-RT / UHDR, 5. In Vivo Dosimetry, 6. Brachytherapy, 7. Commissioning, 8. Cherenkov Dosimetry, 9. Advanced Dosimetry, kV Photon, MeV Electron, MV Photon, Proton (and other Particules), Adaptive-RT, Advanced Optical Dosimetry, Custom Probe Development, Detector comparaison, Fundamental Research, LINAC Pulse Discrimination, Multi-point Dosimetry, Quality Assurance, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

In their comprehensive review, Veronese et al. examine the evolution and clinical application of radioluminescence-based fiber-optic dosimeters (FODs) in radiotherapy. These dosimeters have become essential tools in modern radiotherapy due to their capability for real-time, high-resolution dose measurements with minimal perturbation of the radiation field.

The authors discuss a wide range of scintillating materials, their properties, and dosimetric performance. They provide a thorough comparison of various solutions for addressing the stem-effect, a critical issue in fiber-optic dosimetry. Solutions reviewed include the hyperspectral approach (utilized by Medscint’s HYPERSCINT system), twin-fiber subtraction, optical filtering, dual-channel spectral discrimination, temporal gating, air-core light guides, and real-time Optically Stimulated Luminescence (rtOSL). Notably, the hyperspectral technology employed by HYPERSCINT represents a major advancement, effectively overcoming many limitations of other approaches by offering superior accuracy, simplified calibration procedures, and enhanced robustness, particularly valuable in complex clinical scenarios.

The review also emphasizes the growing adoption and diverse clinical applications of FODs, highlighting their significant role in improving treatment precision and patient safety. Clinical applications addressed in the review include small-field dosimetry, brachytherapy and in vivo dosimetry; advanced radiotherapy modalities such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), hadron and proton therapies; and finally a special attention to MRI-Linac dosimetry and ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) or FLASH radiotherapy.

Radiation Measurements
Ivan Veronese (1), Claus E. Andersen (2), Enbang Li (3), Levi Madden (4), Alexandre M.C. Santos (5, 6, 7) | Department of Physics, University of Milan and National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Milano Unit, Italy, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark, School of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, Australia, Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Australia, Radiation Oncology, Central Adelaide Local Heath Network, Australia, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia

Temporal, spatial, and motion-included scintillation-based QA for an MR-linac

2. Adaptive-RT (ex. MR-LINAC), 3. Treatment Plan (End-to-End) QA, 7. Commissioning, 9. Advanced Dosimetry, MeV Electron, MV Photon, Adaptive-RT, Multi-point Dosimetry, Phantom QA, Quality Assurance, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

Modern adaptive radiotherapy techniques enhance healthy tissue sparing but introduce increased treatment complexity, requiring precise dosimetric validation. To address this, the MRI⁴ᴰ scintillator cassette in collaboration with IBA QUASAR and MEDSCINT is an innovative device integrating four MR-compatible plastic scintillation detectors (PSDs) and a radiochromic film. This device seamlessly works with the IBA QUASAR MRI⁴ᴰ Motion Phantom for comprehensive spatial, temporal, and motion-included dosimetry.

In this webinar, Prescilla Uijtewaal, PhD
explains her experience with the solution, showcasing the performance of the HYPERSCINT RP-200 scintillation dosimetry research platform in a 1.5T MR-linac and demonstrate the capabilities of the MRI⁴ᴰ scintillator cassette, and more.

WEBINAR – Physics World Magazine
Prescilla Uijtewaal, Martin Fast | University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) – Netherlands

Comprehensive investigation of HYPERSCINT RP-FLASH scintillator for electron FLASH research

4. FLASH-RT / UHDR, MeV Electron, Detector comparaison, Quality Assurance, Rabiobiology Show more

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the HYPERSCINT RP-FLASH scintillator, designed for electron FLASH research. The study evaluates its performance in ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) electron beam dosimetry, with a focus on dose-rate independence, fast response times, and millisecond-resolved measurements. The scintillator system demonstrated high accuracy, minimal dependence on beam parameters, and effective calibration for clinical and research applications.

ARXIF Pre-publication
Lixiang Guo (1), Banghao Zhou (1), Yi-Chun Tsai (1), Kai Jiang (2), Viktor Iakovenko (2), Ken Kang-Hsin Wang (1) | 1. BIRTLab – University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA, 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA

Development and first implementation of a novel multi-modality cardiac motion and dosimetry phantom for radiotherapy applications

2. Adaptive-RT (ex. MR-LINAC), 3. Treatment Plan (End-to-End) QA, MV Photon, Adaptive-RT, Multi-point Dosimetry, Phantom QA, Quality Assurance, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

Magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) for real-time gating around the heart for treating ventricular tachycardia (VT) are rapidly advancing. A novel, multi-modality modular heart phantom was developed and utilized in gated radiotherapy experiments on a 0.35 T MR-linac. This phantom can simulate cardiac, cardio-respiratory, and respiratory motions, and perform dosimetric evaluations using ionization chamber and plastic scintillation detectors (PSD from MEDSCINT) configurations.

Due to their small sensitive volumes, time-resolved PSDs are effective for low-amplitude/high-frequency movements and multi-point data acquisition, enhancing dosimetric capabilities. This advancement in VT planning and delivery illustrates the phantom’s potential to meet the growing demands of cardiac applications in radiotherapy.

MEDICAL PHYSICS
Kenneth W. Gregg (1,2), Chase Ruff (1,2), Grant Koenig (3), Kalin I. Penev (3), Andrew Shepard (1), Grace Kreissler (4), Margo Amatuzio (4), Cameron Owens (4), Prashant Nagpal (5), Carri K. Glide-Hurst (1,2) | 1. Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 2. Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 3. Modus Medical Devices, Inc. (IBA QUASAR),London, Ontario, Canada, 4. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 5. Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Characterization of a multi-point scintillation dosimetry research platform for a low-field MR-Linac

2. Adaptive-RT (ex. MR-LINAC), 5. In Vivo Dosimetry, 7. Commissioning, MV Photon, Adaptive-RT, Angular dependancy, Beam characterization, Commissioning, Quality Assurance, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

Plastic scintillation detectors (PSDs) are attractive for enhancing MRI-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT). A study evaluating the HYPERSCINT RP-200, a multi-probe PSD system, demonstrated excellent repeatability and minimal deviation in performance metrics such as detector response and percent depth dose (PDD). PSDs maintained consistent linearity across a broad range of monitor units and showcased high accuracy in gating experiments (ex. gating experiments where 400 cGy were delivered to isocenter : < 0.8 cGy variation for central axis measures and < 0.7 cGy for the gradient sampled region). These results highlight PSDs' huge potential in improving the precision and reliability of MRgRT, especially in complex real-time applications.

MEDICAL PHYSICS
Jennie Crosby (1), Chase Ruff (1), Ken Gregg (1), Jonathan Turcotte (2), Carri Glide-Hurst (1) | 1. Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 2. Medscint, Québec, Quebec, Canada

MLC tracking and dose accumulation validation on the MR-linac using a real-time deformable dosimeter

2. Adaptive-RT (ex. MR-LINAC), 3. Treatment Plan (End-to-End) QA, MV Photon, Adaptive-RT, Commissioning, Multi-point Dosimetry, Phantom QA, Quality Assurance, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

Online MRI on the MR-linac captures detailed anatomical movements, improving real-time radiotherapy adaptations. However, the lack of a suitable MRI-compatible phantom hinders workflow validation. This study introduces a deformable phantom with integrated real-time scintillation dosimeters, validating accuracy in MLC tracking and dose accumulation using the ELEKTA Unity MR-linac.

This study demonstrates the vast potential of this novel prototype deformable phantom with integrated PSDs for real-time dosimetry measurements on an MR-linac.

2024 ESTRO Annual Congress
Madelon van den Dobbelsteen (1), Pim T.S. Borman (1), Laurie J.M. de Vries (1), Sara L. Hackett (1), Kalin Penev (1), Rocco Flores (2), Stephanie Smith (2), Yoan LeChasseur (3), Simon Lambert-Girard (3), Benjamin Côté (3) , Peter L. Woodhead (1)(4), Lando S. Bosma (1), Cornel Zachiu (1), Bas W. Raaymakers (1), Martin F. Fast (1) | 1 University Medical Center Utrecht, Radiotherapy, Utrecht, Netherlands., 2 IBA QUASAR, Modus Medical Devices Inc. London ON, Canada. , 3 Medscint, -, Quebec City, Canada. , 4 Elekta AB, -, Stockholm, Sweden.

Experimental dosimetric verification of the intra-fraction drift correction on the 1.5 T MR-linac

2. Adaptive-RT (ex. MR-LINAC), 7. Commissioning, MV Photon, Adaptive-RT, Commissioning, Multi-point Dosimetry, Quality Assurance, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

MRI-guided online adaptive treatments can improve tumor targeting by adjusting treatment plans in real-time based on cine MR-scans. And to correct the intra-fraction motion, Elekta AB introduced the intra-fraction drift correction (IDC) functionality for the 1.5 T Unity MR-linac.

The IDC is a valuable functionality for fast intra-fraction adaptations and this research experimentally verifies the geometric and dosimetric accuracy of the IDC process using film, scintillation, and diode dosimetry.

ESTRO 2024 Annual Congress
Madelon van den Dobbelsteen, Sara L. Hackett, Stijn Oolbekkink, Bram van Asselen, Prescilla Uijtewaal, Martin F. Fast, Bas W. Raaymakers | University Medical Center Utrecht, Radiotherapy, Utrecht, Netherlands

Evaluation of the HYPERSCINT scintillation dosimetry platform for small-field characterization of a Leksell GAMMA KNIFE

1. Small-Field Dosimetry, 7. Commissioning, MV Photon, Beam characterization, Commissioning, Phantom QA, Quality Assurance Show more

The performance of the HYPERSCINT RP-200 with the 0.5mm x 0.5mm detector was evaluated for the characterization of small radiation fields administered using a Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion radiosurgery device. Overall, our results show that the detector response was in close agreement with Gamma Knife Monte Carlo reference data and film measurements. Based on the obtained results, the plastic scintillation detector shows the potential for rapid validation of output factors and validation of film measurements as well its use in challenging small-field situations encountered with the Gamma Knife.

ISRS 2024 – New York
Mathieu GUILLOT (1), Patrick DELAGE (1), Vincent HUBERT-TREMBLAY (1), Francois THERRIAULT-PROULX (2), Danahé LEBLANC (2) | CHUS – Sherbrooke, Canada, Medscint – Québec, Canada

Development of End-to-End Preclinical Treatment Verification Procedures, Traceable to NPL Air Kerma Primary Standard

1. Small-Field Dosimetry, 3. Treatment Plan (End-to-End) QA, 5. In Vivo Dosimetry, kV Photon, Adaptive-RT, Fundamental Research, Phantom QA, Quality Assurance, Rabiobiology, Real-time Dosimetry Show more

Dosimetry audits are an important tool to improve quality of reported results and to support standardization of preclinical radiation research. This work presents how the combination of passive and active detectors, such as the real-time HYPERSCINT scintillation dosimetry solution, with anatomically correct mouse phantoms are adequate for the development of End-to-End dosimetry audits for the independent verification of preclinical radiation treatments.

The traceability of the detectors’ calibration to primary standards strengthens the dosimetry chain in the validation of preclinical plans, and it is consistent with the current practice for dose traceability of clinical radiotherapy treatments. Their implementation at national and regional levels could lead to databases of anonymised records, which will positively impact the dissemination of best practices and sharing of validated results.

6th Conference on small animal precision image-guided radiotherapy
Ileana Silvestre Patallo (1), Rebecca Carter (2)(3), Andrew Nisbet (2), Anna Subiel (1), Giuseppe Schettino (1) | 1. National Physical Laboratory, UK, 2. University College London, UK, 3. Cancer Institut, UK