PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Particle Accelerators”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 829 records · Page 46Linked to original sources

Stereotactic radiosurgery.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is the accurate focusing of ionising radiation onto an intracranial target, and was pioneered in Sweden in the early 1950's. It has proven effective in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations, acoustic tumours and many other small brain lesions. In the last decade the commercial availability of a gamma ray system has led to other centres following the work in Stockholm; more recently, various techniques utilising linear accelerators, (LINACs), have been developed. Both types of system necessitated special dosimetry and treatment planning methods for the small, high dose-gradient circular fields. Localization of the lesions requires angiography, computerised tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Brain Diseases↗

[Somatic radiation risk in large-field irradiation].

The somatic dose index was determined for large-field irradiations with the 10 MeV bremsstrahlung of a linear accelerator. Among the possible field shapes, the authors investigated the mantle field, the inverted Y field, the boomerang field, as well as total body irradiation and upper and lower partial body irradiation. The measured data are discussed with respect to clinical aspects.

Humans↗

Using a pocket computer to calculate monitor units--outline of a program in BASIC.

A pocket computer was programmed in BASIC to calculate monitor units for a dual energy linear accelerator. Because of the relatively large RAM memory, it was possible to input the TMR (or the PDD) tables for both energies as DATA. The program was written with the intention of providing a back-up check of the hand calculations.

Humans↗

Spectral reconstruction of high energy photon beams for kernel based dose calculations.

A kernel-based dose computation method with finite-size pencil beams (FSPBs) requires knowledge of the photon spectrum. Published methods of indirect spectral measurements using transmission measurements through beam attenuators use mathematical fits with a large number of parameters and constraints. In this study, we examine a simple strategy for fitting transmission data that models important physical characteristics of photon beams produced in clinical linear accelerators. The shape of an unattenuated bremsstrahlung spectrum is known, varying linearly from a maximum at zero energy to a value of zero at a maximum energy. This unattenuated spectrum is altered primarily by absorption of low energy photons by the flattening filter, causing the true spectrum to roll off to zero at low photon energies. A fitting equation models this behavior and has these advantages over previous methods: (1) the equation describes the shape of a bremsstrahlung spectrum based on physical expectations; and (2) only three fit parameters are required with a single constraint. Results for 4 MV and 6 MV accelerators for central axis and off-axis beams show good agreement with the maximum, average and modal energies for known spectra. Previously published models, representations of beam fluence (energy fluence, dN/dE), experimental methods, and the fitting process are discussed.

Algorithms↗

Characterization of moderator assembly dimension for accelerator boron neutron capture therapy of brain tumors using 7Li(p, n) neutrons at proton energy of 2.5 MeV.

The characteristics of moderator assembly dimension are investigated for the usage of 7Li(p,n) neutrons by 2.5 MeV protons in boron newtron capture therapy (BNCT) of brain tumors in the present study. The indexes checked are treatable protocol depth (TPD), which is the greatest depth of the region satisfying the dose requirements in BNCT protocol, proton current necessary to complete BNCT by 1 h irradiation, and the heat flux deposited in the Li target which should be removed. Assumed materials are D2O for moderator, and mixture of polyethylene and LiF with 50 wt % for collimator. Dose distributions have been computed with MCNP 4B and 4C codes. Consequently, realized TPD does not show a monotonical tendency for the Li target diameter. However, the necessary proton current and heat flux in the Li target decreases as the Li target diameter increases, while this trend reverses at around 10 cm of the Li target diameter for the necessary proton current in the condition of this study. As to the moderator diameter, TPD does not exhibit an apparent dependence. On the other hand, necessary proton current and heat flux decrease as the moderator diameter increases, and this tendency saturates at around 60 cm of the moderator diameter in this study. As to the collimator, increase in inner diameter is suitable from the viewpoint of increasing TPD and decreasing necessary proton current and heat flux, while these indexes do not show apparent difference for collimator inner diameters over 14 cm for the parameters treated here. The practical viewpoint in selecting the parameters of moderator assembly dimension is to increase TPD, within the technically possible condition of accelerated proton current and heat removal from the Li target. In this process, the values for which the resultant characteristics mentioned above saturate or reverse would be important factors.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy↗

Single-beam radiotherapy knife. A practical theoretical model.

A feasibility study reveals that a standard linear accelerator, with only slight modification, can function in a manner similar to Leksell's multiple cobalt radiation device. A high radiation dose can be delivered to a 1-cm or 0.5-cm volume target with insignificant radiation effect on the surrounding tissue.

Models, Biological↗

[Shielding design and detection of neutrons from medical and industrial electron accelerators--accuracy evaluation of simple calculation method by neutron measurement].

The accuracy of new simple method of design calculation for neutron shielding in medical and industrial electron accelerator facilities, described in the preceding paper, is investigated in this work by comparing with the measured data in the actual facilities. For this comparison, several published data which have been measured in medical electron accelerator facilities were used, and in industrial facilities the measurement was performed in this work with a neutron dose equivalent meter. From the comparison of measured and calculated neutron dose equivalents, it was confirmed that this simple design method has sufficiently good accuracy.

Electrons↗

[Physical parameter measurement and quality assurance of X-knife].

The treatment of X-knife with linear accelerator, the results and the methods used in physical parameter measurement, are introduced in this paper. We also discusses some problems about quality control. It is proved that our results can be used in X-knife treatment.

Particle Accelerators↗

Total-skin electron irradiation for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: the Northern Israel Oncology Center experience.

Total-skin electron irradiation (TSEI) is effective and frequently used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. A treatment technique has been developed at our center, using the Philips SL 75/10 linear accelerator. In our method, the patient is irradiated in a recumbent position by five pairs of uncollimated electron beams at a source to skin distance of 150 cm. This method provides a practical solution to clinical requirements with respect to uniformity of electron dose and low X-ray contamination. Its implementation does not require special equipment or modification of the linear accelerator, 19 of 23 patients (83%) with mycosis fungoides, treated by this method, achieved complete regression of their cutaneous lesions.

Adult↗

Regulation of electron transport in photosystem-II fragments by magnesium ions.

In Photosystem-II reaction-center particles (TSF-IIa) fractionated from spinach chloroplasts by Triton X-100 treatment, divalent cations appear to regulate electron-transport reactions. Oxidation of cytochrome b-559 after illumination of the particles was accelerated by the presence of Mg2+, whereas photoreduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) by diphenyl carbazide was inhibited, both at a half-effective concentration of Mg2+ of approx. 0.1 mM. The site of regulation was shown to be on the oxidizing side of Photosystem II, near P-680, based on the effects of actinin-light intensity and nature of the electron donors on DCIP photoreduction. Mg2+ was effective in quenching chlorophyll fluorescence in TSF-IIa particles, but the quenching was sensitive to the presence of 3(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. In the reaction-center (core) complex of Photosystem II, where the light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex is absent, there seems to be no regulation by Mg2+ on excitation-energy distribution.

2,6-Dichloroindophenol↗

Implementation of total skin electron therapy using an optional high dose rate mode on a conventional linear accelerator.

A technique for total skin electron therapy (TSET) has been implemented using a standard accelerator that has been equipped with an optional special procedures mode to permit high dose-rate therapy with a 6-MeV electron beam. Patients are treated in a standing position using dual angled fields at a source to skin distance of 3.6 m. Dosimetric characteristics of the dual field technique were investigated for the 6-MeV beam as well as for a lower energy beam produced by the introduction of an acrylic beam degrader. A treatment stand, which incorporates the degrader in addition to devices used for patient support and shielding, is described. Acceptable beam uniformity and depth dose have been achieved while maintaining a low level of x-ray contamination. Treatment times are reasonably short since the output of the machine in the high-dose-rate mode is 25 Gy/min at the isocenter. Beam uniformity, dose rate, and x-ray contamination are relatively unaffected by the presence of the beam degrader if it is positioned near the treatment plane. The high dose-rate electron option is a useful treatment mode that provides the advantage of reduced treatment times while retaining proper functioning of all accelerator dosimetry systems and interlocks. Use of a dual field technique permits TSET in a treatment room of standard dimensions. The machine is easily set up for treatment, and patient setup is simplified through use of a customized support system.

Humans↗

A multi-platform approach to image guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

Siemens Medical Solutions, Oncology Care Systems Group (SMSOCSG) is supporting the development of several technologies that enable image acquisition and decision making processes required for IGRT in various clinical settings. Four such technologies are presented including: (i) the integration of a traditional multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner "on rails" with a C-arm gantry linear accelerator; (ii) the development of a high sensitivity, fast, megavoltage (MV) electronic portal imaging device capable of clinical MV Conebeam CT (MVCBCT) reconstruction and fluoroscopy mounted on a C-arm gantry linear accelerator; (iii) the modification of a mobile C-arm with flat panel kilovoltage (kV) diagnostic imager; and (iv) the development of an in-line megavoltage and kilovoltage flat panel imaging system that has the potential to image both anatomical and dosimetric information in "real-time" utilizing the traditional C-arm gantry linear accelerator geometry. Each method of IGRT has unique as well as complementary qualities which are discussed from both a clinical and technical perspective.

Humans↗

The feasibility of accelerator-based in vivo neutron activation analysis of nitrogen.

The feasibility of accelerator-based in vivo neutron activation analysis of nitrogen has been investigated. It was found that a moderated neutron flux from approximately 10 microA of 2.5 MeV protons on a 9Be target performed as well as, and possibly slightly better than the existing isotope-based approach in terms of net counts per unit subject dose. Such a system may be an attractive alternative to the widespread use of (238,239)Pu/Be or 252Cf neutron sources, since there is more flexibility in the energy spectrum generated by accelerator-based neutron sources. From a radiation safety standpoint, accelerators have the advantage in that they only produce radiation when in operation. Furthermore, an accelerator beam can be pulsed, to reduce background detected in the prompt-gamma measurement, and such a device has a wide range of additional biological and medical applications.

Body Composition↗

[R50 and Rp in electron beam dosimetry].

The practical range Rp and the half-value depth R50 are relevant parameters in clinical dosimetry of electron beams. The aim of this study was to determine a relation between Rp and R50, as well as between Rp and the mean energy at the phantom surface Eo. A total of 135 depth-absorbed-dose curves from 20 different accelerators were analyzed. The relation between Rp and R50 could be fitted by a linear equation. This equation was compared with the equation calculated in the literature by means of Monte Carlo simulation. The prevailing data confirm that a linear relation exists between Rp and Eo.

Electrons↗

Radiation protection at medical accelerators.

This paper focuses on radiation protection at proton and light ion accelerators for radiotherapy. The National Centre of Hadrontherapy, which is planned to he built in Italy in the next five years, is considered as a reference facility for applying the various methodologies presented. The shielding design is firstly discussed, together with that of the access maze to the treatment rooms. Subsequently, the main aspects for the estimate of the air activation in the environment hosting the accelerator system are described. The estimate of the dose equivalent due to the activated air transferred to the neighbourhood population is also treated. Outlines are given of the radioactivity induced by the primary beam in the materials constituting the magnets and the patient's personal collimator.

Humans↗

Calculations of neutron shielding data for 10-100 MeV proton accelerators.

The characteristics of neutron sources and their attenuation in concrete were investigated in detail for protons with energies ranging from 10 to 100 MeV striking on target materials of C, N, Al, Fe, Cu and W. A two-step approach was adopted: thick-target double-differential neutron yields were first calculated from the (p, xn) cross sections recommended in the ICRU Report 63; further, transport simulations of those neutrons in concrete were performed by using the FLUKA Monte Carlo code. The purpose of this study is to provide reasonably accurate parameters for shielding design for 10-100 MeV proton accelerators. Source terms and the corresponding attenuation lengths in concrete for several target materials are given as a function of proton energies and neutron emission angles.

Computer Simulation↗

A method and contrast-detail phantom for the quantitative assessment of radiotherapy portal imaging systems.

Several designs of electronic portal imaging systems for radiotherapy have been reported or are now commercially available, as well as the familiar radiographic screen-film combinations. In order to evaluate imaging performance of these, and future, systems a prototype contrast-detail test object has been developed in conjunction with a method for determining contrast from a model of the X-ray spectra produced by linear accelerators. Several existing test objects rely on qualitative or semi-quantitative estimates of contrast. In this technique, quantitative estimates of contrast may be determined for each detail size from realistic estimates of the X-ray spectrum by using a spectral model either in conjunction with narrow-beam attenuation measurements on the linear accelerator used, or by using the nominal value of maximum photon energy. This technique should facilitate the comparison of imaging systems used with linear accelerators of different energies as well as providing a quantitative quality control tool for regular measurements of imaging performance. Examples of the use of the test object in the evaluation of several commercial screen-film combinations are given.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Health physics aspects of neutron activated components in a linear accelerator.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the residual radioactivity in the therapy accessories of a medical x ray linear accelerator. The residual radioactivity mainly originated from nuclear activation reactions by neutrons, which are present as a contamination radiation in the x-ray beam. The radiation used in this study was the 25 MV x-ray beam produced by a CGR Saturne III linear accelerator. The five treatment aids include four wedges of various angles and one cerrobend block. The decrease in dose rates with time was followed for 60 min for each of the five treatment aids immediately after 999 monitor units of irradiation. The integral doses from the surface of each of four activated therapy accessories following three different radiation doses were measured by using thermoluminescent dosimeters (CaF2). In the TLD measurement, polyethylene filters were used to differentiate beta or beta particles from the mixed decay radiation. A high-purity germanium detection system was utilized to collect and to analyze the gamma spectra from the activated therapy accessories. The residual radioisotopes found in the 15 degree wedge and 30 degree wedge included V, Cr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. In the 45 degree and 60 degree wedges, the radionuclides identified were Co, Ni, Cu, and W. The principal nuclides identified in the irradiated cerrobend block were In, Sn, Cd, Pb. The corresponding nuclear reactions from which the residual radionuclides produced were confirmed by consulting the current literature.

Equipment Contamination↗