All authors contributed equally A specially constructed highly-mobile electron accelerator is being developed for Intra Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) in Poland. The aim of this work was to study the effects of different materials and geometry of accelerator head components on such critical beam properties as flatness, X-ray and neutron contamination, and the amount of dose delivered outside the treatment field. Based on these findings, a treatment head and applicators for the new mobile electron accelerator are being designed. The Monte Carlo code, BEAMnrc/EGSnrc, was used to build two models of a treatment head with plastic and metal applicators. FLUKA code was used for beam-stopper and shielding estimations. Both models fulfill basic requirements for quality of the therapeutic beam, as well as for radiation protection against stray and leakage radiation. The new aspects of our study were simulations for applicators with diameters of 15 and 22 cm for larger field intra operative treatment, which are not generally available on the market.
Abstract. Intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) is a cancer treatment method that combines oncologic surgery with electron beam radiotherapy. This method can reduce the duration of entire tumor treatment and increase its effectiveness. Moreover, shortening the treatment time signifi cantly reduces the cost and accessibility of the therapy. As a result of interdisciplinary research, an innovative accelerator for IOERT, the IntraLine, was developed. In the course of this work, four patent applications were fi led. Today, the work is half way through. In the near future, the device will be optimized. New mechanical design solutions will be developed. Mechanical optimization will signifi cantly reduce the weight of the device. Accelerators control system, which today is in the demo phase, will also be signifi cantly upgraded. This paper describes the stages of the IntraLine accelerator development, its current state and plans for the future R&D work, within the scope of our new Intra-Dose project.
A specially constructed highly-mobile electron accelerator for intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is under development in Poland. Using an accelerator in a regular operating room (OR) for direct irradiation of surgically exposed organs raises specific questions concerning radiation safety of the patient and medical personnel. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to optimize the beam forming system and external shields in order to assure radiation safety. The Monte Carlo code BEAMnrc/EGSnrc was used to build and test a model of the accelerator treatment head and beam applicators. We used FLUKA code to study the dose distribution inside and outside the OR. It was determined that dose distribution in the patient plane meets existing radiation protection requirements. It was further found that safe operation of the accelerator in a conventional OR may require some additional light shielding, depending on details of the wall construction, patient workload and occupancy factors. We show that relatively light and mobile lead shielding panels may be successfully used for that purpose.
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