Phenol compounds as new materials for electron spin resonance dosimetry in radiotherapy

Preliminary magnetic resonance relaxometric analysis of Fricke gel dosimeters produced with polyvinyl alcohol and glutaraldehyde

This work describes the preliminary analysis of Fricke gels dosimeters characterized by a new formulation making use of a matrix of polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked by adding glutaraldehyde and analyzed by means of nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry. In previous optical studies, these gels have shown promising dosimetric features in terms of photon sensitivity and low diffusion of ferric ions produced after irradiation. In this work, we used a portable nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometer to measure the relaxation times (which are important for dosimetric applications) of these gel materials. For this purpose, we performed a study for optimizing the acquisition parameters with a nuclear…

Phenol compounds as new materials for electron spin resonance dosimetry in radiotherapy

Introduction: Among the various dosimetric techniques used for characterizing the radiation beams used in radiation therapy, the electron spin resonance (ESR) arouses increasing interest for applications in various therapy procedures. Free radicals are known to be produced when a compound is irradiated with ionizing radiations. The concentration of radiationinduced free radicals is proportional to the absorbed dose and this allows for dosimetric measurements through ESR technique which enables to quantitatively determine the radical concentration. In this work we report the ESR investigation of phenol pellets and thin films exposed to various types of radiation beams (clinical photon and el…

Characterization of phenolic pellets for ESR dosimetry in photon beam radiotherapy

This work deals with the dosimetric features of a particular phenolic compound (IRGANOX 1076 ® ) for dosimetry of clinical photon beams by using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. After the optimization of the ESR readout parameters (namely modulation amplitude and microwave power) to maximise the signal without excessive spectrum distortions, basic dosimetric properties of laboratory-made phenolic dosimeters in pellet form, such as reproducibility, dose–response, sensitivity, linearity and dose rate dependence were investigated. The dosimeters were tested by measuring the depth dose profile of a 6 MV photon beam. A satisfactory intra-batch reproducibility of the ESR signal of the …

Phenol compounds as a New Materials for EPR dosimetry in radiation therapy

Among the various dosimetric techniques used for characterizing the radiation beams used in radiation therapy, the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) arouses increasing interest for applications in various therapy procedures. When a compound is irradiated with ionizing radiations free radicals are produced and their concentration is proportional to the absorbed dose. This allows for dosi-metric measurements through EPR technique which is able to quantitatively de-termine the radical concentration. Our research group has started an investigation of the EPR response of some phenols compounds for possible dosimetric applications. In this work we report the EPR investigation of IRGANOX 1076 …

Dosimetric verification of stereotactic head treatments performed with Helical Tomotherapy using alanine dosimeters and gafchromic films

Phenol compounds as new materials for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance dosimetry in clinical photon and electron beams,

In the last decades several research laboratories have shown an increasing interest aimed at extending the applicability of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) dosimetry to radiotherapy with different types of radiation beams. EPR is a spectroscopic method for investigating the structure and dynamics of such paramagnetic species. Free radicals are known to be produced when a compound is irradiated with ionizing radiations. The concentration of radiation-induced free radicals is proportional to the energy released inside in the medium and this allows for dosimetric measurements through EPR technique. The use of alanine as a dosimetric material gave the possibility to apply EPR spectroscopy…

Strategies to develop radiomics and machine learning models for lung cancer stage and histology prediction using small data samples

Abstract Predictive models based on radiomics and machine-learning (ML) need large and annotated datasets for training, often difficult to collect. We designed an operative pipeline for model training to exploit data already available to the scientific community. The aim of this work was to explore the capability of radiomic features in predicting tumor histology and stage in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We analyzed the radiotherapy planning thoracic CT scans of a proprietary sample of 47 subjects (L-RT) and integrated this dataset with a publicly available set of 130 patients from the MAASTRO NSCLC collection (Lung1). We implemented intra- and inter-sample cross-valida…

Neutron flux and gamma dose measurement in the BNCT irradiation facility at the TRIGA reactor of the University of Pavia

Abstract University of Pavia is equipped with a TRIGA Mark II research nuclear reactor, operating at a maximum steady state power of 250 kW. It has been used for many years to support Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) research. An irradiation facility was constructed inside the thermal column of the reactor to produce a sufficient thermal neutron flux with low epithermal and fast neutron components, and low gamma dose. In this irradiation position, the liver of two patients affected by hepatic metastases from colon carcinoma were irradiated after borated drug administration. The facility is currently used for cell cultures and small animal irradiation. Measurements campaigns have been ca…

Moving across the static magnetic field of a 1.5 T MRI scanner: Analysing compliance with Directive 2013/35/EU

Abstract Does the exposure of magnetic resonance imaging personnel to static magnetic fields fully comply with Directive 2013/35/EU? Despite the obligation to satisfy this question, a general answer cannot be provided, nor are final satisfying good practices methods for exposure assessment currently available. In order to contribute to fix this problem, three different 1.5 T scanners are analysed and – by a new theoretical insight – a positive answer is provided.

Characterization of phenolic pellets for ESR dosimetry in photon beam radiotherapy.

We report a study of the dosimetric features of phenolic compounds for applications in radiation therapy dosimetry of clinical photon beams by using ESR spectroscopy. After the optimization of the ESR readout parameters, basic dosimetric properties (such as intra-batch reproducibility, dose-response, sensitivity, linearity, dose rate dependence, tissue-equivalence and signal stability) of laboratory-made phenolic dosimeters in form of pellets were investigated. Furthermore, these dosimeters were tested for measuring the depth dose profile of a 6 MV clinical photon beam. The results reported show that these dosimeters are promising materials for ESR dosimetric applications in radiation thera…

NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE RELAXOMETRY AND IMAGING FOR DOSIMETRY WITH AGAROSE FRICKE GEL

Introduction: Fricke Xylenol Gel (FXG) dosimetric system is based on the radiation induced oxidation of ferrous to ferric ions. In this kind of gels it can occur that ferrous and ferric ions diffuse in the gel matrix. To preserve the spatial distribution of the dose from diffusion, Fricke gels must be undergoing measurement within a few hours of their irradiation. Thus, the spatial integrity of the dose distribution in the Fricke gel is maintained. The oxidation of ferrous ions also causes a reduction of the longitudinal nuclear magnetic relaxation time which can be measured by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrumentation. In this work we performed NMR relaxometry and MR imagin…

Caratterizzazione dosimetrica della facility a neutroni termici del reattore TRIGA di Pavia: studio della dose da fotoni mediante rivelatori ESR di alanina

The optimization of the procedures of Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT) for cancer treatments involves research for beam characterization. One major issue for this therapy is the reliable dosimetric determination of the various (neutronic and photonic) components of the employed beam. In particular, the precise and accurate measurements of the gamma photon component is fundamental for evaluating the risks to healthy tissues hit by the mixed field. Among solid state dosimeters the alanine detectors read by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) technique present several advantages such as: tissue equivalence for photon and electron beams, linearity of its dose-response over a wide range, high sta…

Determinazione della componente gamma nella colone termica del reattore TRIGA di Pavia tramite Dosimetri ESR di alanina

Negli ultimi anni il crescente interesse verso la radioterapia a cattura neutronica (internazionalmente nota come Neutron Capture Therapy - NCT) per il trattamento di neoplasie ha stimolato diverse attività di ricerca finalizzate alla caratterizzazione del fascio utilizzato e all'ottimizzazione delle procedure radioterapiche. Tra i vari sistemi dosimetrici trovano largo impiego i rivelatori a stato solido ESR (Risonanza di Spin Elettronico) a base di alanina che presentano diversi vantaggi come la tessuto equivalenza, la linearità della risposta in un ampio intervallo di dose, l'elevata stabilità dei radicali liberi radioindotti, la non distruttività della lettura del dosimetro e il basso c…

ESR dosimeter material properties of phenols compound exposed to radiotherapeutic electron beams

Abstract There is a need for a sensitive dosimeter using Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy for use in medical applications, since non-destructive read-out and dose archival could be achieved with this method. This work reports a systematic ESR investigation of IRGANOX ® 1076 exposed to clinical electron beams produced by a LINAC used for radiation therapy treatments. Recently, dosimetric features of this material were investigated for irradiation with 6 0Co γ -photons and neutrons in both pellet and film shape and have been found promising thanks to their high efficiency of radiation-matter energy transfer and radical stability at room temperature. Here the analysis of the dosimetric fea…

Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry and imaging for dosimetry with agarose Fricke gel

Accomplishing the requirements within the new decree 159/2016: Comparative study of eddy currents induced in a human phantom moving near different MRI scanners

Purpose. In order to provide adequate risk-reducing procedures for MRI personnel (radiographers, anaesthetists, physicists, nurses, technicians, cleaners, etc.), different studies have been developed in the past years. Further to those, in the present work risk assessment concerned with currents induced by non-uniform static magnetic fields in MRI operators performing different tasks in prox imity of the scanner has been investigated across a set of different 1.5 T MRI scanners. Methods. The first step has been to empirically map the magnetic field around the different scanners and to select a proper adult human body as a heterogeneous volume conductor model. Then, upon observing the way ta…

Moderate hypofractionated helical tomotherapy for localized prostate cancer: preliminary report of an observational prospective study.

Objective: To report preliminary findings of a phase II study exploring the clinical outcomes of moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy performed with helical tomotherapy (HT) using computed tomography–magnetic resonance imaging–based planning for localized prostate cancer. Methods: The phase II prospective study received ethics approval from our institutional ethics committee. A dose of 60 Gy/20 fractions for low–intermediate risk prostate cancer by means of HT was explored. Primary endpoints of the study were acute and late gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities. Secondary endpoints were quality of life and biochemical-free survival. Results: A total of 35 patients were i…

126. Dosimetric analysis of phenolic solid state pellets exposed to radio-therapeutic photon and electron beams through electron spin resonance technique

Abstract Purpose Among the various dosimetric techniques used for characterizing the radiation beams used in radiation therapy, the electron spin resonance (ESR) arouses increasing interest for applications in various therapy procedures. In this work we report the ESR investigation of particular phenol compounds exposed to clinical photon and electron beams [1] . Materials and methods Pellets were produced by mixing Phenol (IRGANOX 1076® Sigma Aldrich) and paraffin (10% by weight). The irradiations of dosimeters were performed with photon and electron beams with absorbed doses ranging from 0 to 13 Gy. Basic dosimetric properties of phenolic dosimeters, such as reproducibility, dose-response…

Dosimetric analysis of phenolic solid state pellets exposed to radio-therapeutic photon and electron beams through electron spin resonance technique

34. Accomplishing the requirements within the new decree 159/2016: Comparative study of eddy currents induced in a human phantom moving near different MRI scanners

Purpose In order to provide adequate risk-reducing procedures for MRI personnel (radiographers, anaesthetists, physicists, nurses, technicians, cleaners, etc.), different studies have been developed in the past years. Further to those, in the present work risk assessment concerned with currents induced by non-uniform static magnetic fields in MRI operators performing different tasks in proximity of the scanner has been investigated across a set of different 1.5 T MRI scanners. Methods The first step has been to empirically map the magnetic field around the different scanners and to select a proper adult human body as a heterogeneous volume conductor model. Then, upon observing the way tasks…

Moving inside a MRI room: A risk assessment analysis

Moving across the stray magnetic field generated by a medical magnetic resonance imaging system may induce electric stimulation near or even beyond the threshold of physiological significance and adequate risk-reducing procedures for the involved personnel may be re quired. With this in mind, a set of different scanners has been analysed. Results suggest that a 1.5 T magnet may be expected in general to comply with the requirements of the currently in force European Electromagnetic Fields Directive for ensuring the health and safety of workers.

Hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy for lung malignancies by means of helical tomotherapy: report of feasibility by a single-center experience

Background: Several experiences in the literature report SBRT as an effective treatment option for medically inoperable early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and oligometastatic disease. The optimal fractionation schedules and total dose remain controversial. In this study, we evaluated the safety in terms of toxicity and efficacy of using of 8–10 fractions schedules with Helical Tomotherapy (HT) for primary and metastatic lung lesions. Methods: Between March 2014 and May 2016, a total of 39 patients (median age 72 years, range 26–91) were treated with HT-SBRT for malignant lung lesions: 22 patients with early stage NSCLC, 17 with oligometastases. Patients received 8–10 fract…

Caratterizzazione del campo misto neutroni-gamma nella colonna termica del reattore TRIGA di Pavia tramite attivazione neutronica e rivelatori ad alanina

Phenol compounds for EPR dosimetry in radiation therapy

EPR/alanine dosimetry in Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatments through Helical Tomotherapy

New materials for ESR dosimetry in clinical photon and electron beams: Phenol Compounds.

In the last decades several research laboratories have shown an increasing interest aimed at extending the applicability of ESR-dosimetry to radiotherapy with different types of radiation beams. ESR is a spectroscopic method for investigating the structure and dynamics of such paramagnetic species. The concentration of radiation-induced free radicals is proportional to the energy released inside in the medium. Our research group has started an investigation of the ESR response of some phenols compounds for possible ESR dosimetric applications suitable features, such as high efficiency of radiation-matter energy transfer and radical stability at room temperature. In particular, the phenoloct…

Uso della spettroscopia ESR per la caratterizzazione di composti fenolici irradiati con fasci clinici di fotoni ed elettroni

In the last decades several research laboratories have shown an increasing interest aimed at extending the applicability of Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) dosimetry to radiotherapy with different types of radiation beams. ESR is a spectroscopic method for investigating the structure and dynamics of such paramagnetic species. Free radicals are known to be produced when a compound is irradiated with ionizing radiations. The concentration of radiation-induced free radicals is proportional to the energy released inside in the medium and this allows for dosimetric measurements through ESR technique which able to quantitatively determine the radical concentration. The use of alanine as a dosimetri…