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Session: The Need for Robust Dosimetry of Flash Beams [Return to Session]

The Need for Robust Dosimetry of Flash Beams

M McEwen1*, A Subiel2*, A Mascia3*, (1) National Research Council, Ottawa, ON, CA, (2) National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, GB, (3) University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Presentations

SU-J-BRA-0 (Sunday, 7/10/2022) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM [Eastern Time (GMT-4)]

Ballroom A

Given that the FLASH RT field is moving forward very fast, with the first clinical trials already commenced, it is of the utmost importance to ensure accurate treatment delivery of this revived treatment modality. In developing best practice guidance for the dosimetry of such ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) beams, it is important to recognize how they differ from the equivalent “standard” dose rate radiation modalities currently in use. Correctly identifying how these UHDR conditions impact detector performance and the characterization of FLASH beams is an essential first step for both developing guidance for users and targeting pre-clinical research. One of the aspects that needs to be addressed is accurate and reliable dosimetry for these beams, as without a full understanding of the underlying limitations of different detectors, there is potential for significant dosimetric errors. Therefore, there is a quest to develop new detectors which could act as reliable and accurate dosimetry devices in FLASH RT. One example of rapid expansion in Flash RT is in proton beams. The capability of modern proton machines to produce UHDR radiation beams with minimal re-engineering has led to a rapid evolution of FLASH radiotherapy from laboratory to clinic. Accurate and reproducible dose (and dose rate) measurement and monitoring is foundational for FLASH radio-therapeutic translation.

Learning Objectives:
1) Understand the complexity of and variations in defining dose rate and their impact on beam dosimetry and metrology for UHDR beams.
2) Understand the dosimetric challenges that may be exhibited by several detectors under UHDR regime.
3) Present the development of new detectors which could act as reliable and accurate dosimetry devices in FLASH RT.
4) Discuss unique requirements for field detectors and beam monitors used in ultra-high dose rate proton beams.
5) Learn about unique, practical and clinical challenges resulting beam monitoring and measurement in UHDR environment.

Keywords

Radiation Detectors, Radiation Dosimetry, Radiation Therapy

Taxonomy

TH- Radiation Dose Measurement Devices: Development (new technology and techniques)

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