On-line monitoring and PET imaging of proton radiotherapy beams

We have performed experiments which indicate that online monitoring of proton radiotherapy beams in tissue is feasible. Using a two-dimensional array of on-line BGO detectors, it is possible to image the production of /spl beta//sup +/-emitting isotopes (mainly /sup 11/C, /sup 13/N, and /sup 15/O) as a function of tissue depth and time with pulsed proton beams of sufficiently low current. These measurements allow the dose and range of charged particle radiotherapy beams to be measured directly while the treatment is being delivered.<
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