150: Experimental characterization of acoustic detection and imaging for Bragg peak localization in proton therapy

ICTR-PHE – 2014 cytoplasm upon irradiation. Among the six mutants of possible phosphorylated sites of FTS only the threonine into alanine (T190A) mutant failed to translocate into nucleus. The cells transfected with this mutant FTS (T190A) showed decreased phosphorylatation of EGFR, p38 and JNK. Conclusions: Nuclear translocation of FTS confers radiation resistance on uterine cervix cancer. Threonine residue of FTS at position 190 is essential for its nuclear translocation, which is related with EGFR phosphorylation and its downstream effects. Keywords: FTS (Fused Toes Homolog), Nuclear translocation, Radiation resistance 150 Experimental characterization of acoustic detection and imaging for Bragg peak localization in proton therapy K. Parodi1, W. Assmann1, S. Kellnberger2,3, M. Omar2,3, C. Gäbisch4, S. Reinhardt1, P.G. Thirolf1, M. Moser5, G. Dollinger5, T. Hellerer4, G. Sergiadis2,3, V. Ntziachristos2,3 1 Ludwig Maximilian University, Chair for Medical Physics, Munich, Germany 2 Technical University Munich, Chair for Biological Imaging, Munich, Gernay 3 Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Munich, Germany 4 Munich University of Applied Science, Institute for Microand Nano-technologies, Munich, Germany 5 Universität der Bundeswehr, Institute for Applied Physics and Instrumentation, Munich, Germany Purpose: Range uncertainties still represent a main obstacle to full clinical exploitation of the ballistic advantages offered by ion beams for radiation therapy. Currently, several techniques based on the emission of nuclear reaction products are being explored. However, remaining challenges include complex instrumentation and not straightforward correlation between the underlying electromagnetic energy deposition and nuclear reaction processes. In this work, we investigate direct acoustic detection and imaging of the ion energy deposition that peaks within the Bragg peak. Material/methods: Experiments were performed with proton beams at the Tandem accelerator of the Maier-LeibnitzLaboratory in Munich. The low energy of 20 MeV was specifically chosen to probe the maximum achievable accuracy in Bragg peak determination for a very well confined energy deposition. A wide range of beam parameters (intensity and time structure) were varied to explore the systematics of the signal and extrapolate applicability to clinical-like scenarios. In addition to homogeneous water targets, measurements were also performed with a range degrader and a metallic wire emulating an implanted marker. The thermoacoustic signals were captured using different piezoelectric transducers. A cylindrically focused 3.5 MHz ultrasound transducer was employed to characterize various parameters of operation, while imaging of the Bragg peak was performed by using a high frequency, spherically focused transducer at 10 MHz central frequency. Acoustic signals were amplified with a low-noise 63 dB amplifier before digitization with a digital oscilloscope, which was triggered by the beam-chopper signal. To enhance the sensitivity, an averaging of 16 pulses per measurement was used. Data analysis was performed with MATLAB. Results: For beam intensities exceeding 105 protons/pulse, a clear signal could be acquired, revealing the expected Braggpeak position with sub-millimeter accuracy. Moreover, 1 mm range differences introduced by a 0.5 mm thick Al absorber could be clearly resolved. The 2D transversal image of the Bragg peak was also found in reasonable agreement with Gafchromic film measurements. Following the very promising proof-of-principle experiments, additional measurements in

S73 the frequency domain are planned in fall 2013, and available results will also be presented. Conclusions: Acoustic detection offers a more direct way to observe the energy deposition of an ion beam in matter. Although the idea is not novel, state-of-the-art instrumentation primarily developed for photo-acoustic imaging promises to make real-time 3D imaging of scanned ion beams within the patient feasible. The technique holds particular promise for application to next-generation high dose-rate accelerators (e.g., synchro-cyclotrons and lasers), where larger thermoacoustic signals are expected to be produced. Keywords: Ion beam therapy, Acoustic imaging, Range verification 151 Training the next generation of experts in hadron therapy: the PARTNER training network The Partner training network The Particle Training Network for European Radiotherapy, PARTNER, was launched in 2008 with the support of the European Commission. This 4-year Marie Curie Initial Training Network focused on training a new generation of highly specialised professionals in the multidisciplinary field of hadron therapy. In fact, the steadily growing number of proton and ion beam centres generates a critical need of experts who will operate these facilities and carry out the necessary research to achieve a more reliable and cost effective therapy. Ten academic institutes and research centres, as well as two leading companies in the field of particle therapy, have been involved in PARTNER, which was coordinated by CERN. Over the course of the project, 29 Marie Curie researchers were trained in a wide range of subjects, such as physics, medicine, radiobiology, and information technology. They also performed excellent research in these fields, as demonstrated by their numerous publications, prizes, and awards. The latest results from many of the PARTNER research projects have been published in open access form in a special issue of the Journal of Radiation Research Besides the scientific and technical courses, an important part of the PARTNER training portfolio was devoted to developing soft skills such as leadership, communication, project writing. These complementary skills are meant to boost the researchers’ career opportunities, and indeed many of the PARTNER researchers are now working in various institutes and hospitals involved in hadron therapy around the world. Keywords: hadrontherapy, cancer, radiotherapy Acknowledgment: The PARTNER project is funded by the European Commission under FP7 Grant Agreement N. 215840. 152 An integrated monitoring system for the on-line assessment of particle therapy treatment accuracy V. Patera1, G. Battistoni2, N. Belcari3,4, M.G. Bisogni3, N. Camarlinghi4, P. Cerello5, F. Ciciriello6,7, G.A.P. Cirrone8, S. Coli5, F. Corsi6,7, G. Cuttone8, E. De Lucia9, A. Del Guerra3,4, P. Delogu3,4, R. Faccini1,10, S. Ferretti3,4, E. Fiorina5, G. Giraudo5, A. Kraan3,4, F. Licciulli6,7, B. Liu3,4, N. Marino4, C. Marzocca6,7, G. Matarrese6,7, C. Morone1, 11, M. Morrocchi3,4, S. Muraro2, R. Nicolini2, C. Peroni5,12, L. Piersanti1,10, M.A. Piliero34, G. Pirrone3,4, A, Rivetti5, F. Romano8, V. Rosso3,4, P. Sala2, A. Sarti9, A. Sciubba1,10, G. Sportelli3,4, R. Wheadon5 1 University Roma La Sapienza, Italy 2 INFN Milano, Italy 3 University of Pisa, Italy 4 INFN Pisa. Italy