Project Description
Particle therapy concentrates ionizing dose more effectively than x-ray radiation therapy (XRT), and therefore has the potential to spare radiosensitive tissue. Precisely because particle therapy concentrates dose, the risk to nearby radiosensitive tissue is greater during particle therapy than during XRT. Therefore, verifying that dose is delivered correctly is an urgent need for particle therapy.
Dr. Patch has completed several thermoacoustic range verification projects, which are well suited to next generation proton therapy systems that deliver in pulsed mode. However, for the worldwide install base of O(100) systems, thermoacoustics is not feasible. Therefore, the Patch Lab is preparing for an experiment to validate the hypothesis that breaking ions can change the effect of ultrasound contrast agents. If successful, the location of the particle beam will be visible in ultrasound images of the tumor.
12C ions will bombard Definity microbubbles flowing in 0.5 millimeter diameter tubing at Argonne National Lab Nov 26-29. A student helped develop the flow phantoms and optimize the positioner that holds one of the ultrasound arrays that will be used.
Tasks and Responsibilites
Previous experiments were performed with lighter ions, protons and helium. To validate experimental range estimates and to plan experiments like the upcoming run at Argonne, Monte Carlo simulations were performed by Dr. Patch and a former SURF student, Yazeed Qadadha, using TRIM software. TRIM is widely vetted and easy to use but fails to account for fragmentation of particles as they come to a stop. Carbon is composed of 6 neutrons and 6 protons, so fragmentation will be more significant than for helium and protons.
Therefore, the student will install and learn to run a more sophisticated program developed at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL). Galactic cosmic ray Event Risk Model (GERM) software has been sent to Dr. Patch by Dr. Mike Sivertz at BNL’s NASA Space Radiation Lab. Dr. Sivertz has offered to walk us through installation and initial use.
The student's first task will be to determine whether the GERM software provides merely a one-dimensional plot of the Bragg curve, or can model dose in a 3D volume. The student will then model the experimental setup at Argonne as faithfully as possible. If GERM is capable modeling in a 3D volume then the student will model transport and dose deposition through cylindrical microtubing.
Desired Qualifications
None listed