Diagnostic imaging by energetic radioactive particle beams: applications in Bragg Peak cancer therapy

Researchers explore the use of Bragg Ionization Peak in radiotherapy for tumors. Considerations for the production of a high quality radioactive beam include secondary beam production efficiency, primary beam survival, and multiple scattering. A Positron Emitting Beam Analyzing camera was developed and tested at BEVALAC using a neon-19 beam stopping point. Results indicate that in homogeneous brain tissues, CT measurements and radioactive beam measurements are between 1-2 mm; there can be substantial difference between CT measurements and radioactive beam estimates if the beam stopping point crosses the fossae; random coincidences due to detector activation also appear as diffused images in the image plane of the beam stopping point; and further enhancements are necessary to make reliable measurements in the human trunk and complex brain regions.