Development of a high quantum efficiency and tissue equivalent flat-panel X-ray detector for radiotherapy applications

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The "cancer problem" is the most significant health problem in Canada. Approximately half of cancer patients receive radiation therapy treatments. The geometric and dosimetric accuracies of such treatments are crucial for their success. Currently, the geometric verification (i.e., verification of the tumor or target being positioned at the intended location during the treatment) and dosimetric verification (i.e., verification of the prescribed radiation dose being delivered to the target) are accomplished using two different systems that are not yet fully optimized, and there is no single tool available that can be used to do both geometric and dosimetric verification during the treatment. In this application, we propose to develop a novel system capable of both verifying target position, as well as verifying the dose delivered within the patient. This system (the first of this kind), is designed to be both very efficient at detecting X rays (high "quantum efficiency") and similar in composition to human tissue ("tissue equivalent"), which has the advantage of allowing us to measure radiation dose as it would be delivered within a patient. Our new system will not only be simpler but also have a better accuracy than the current systems for geometric and dosimetric verification. It is based on a new concept of using plastic scintillation fibres for megavoltage X-ray imaging. The research is expected to benefit Canadians in three major ways: (1) by expanding our knowledge of scintillation light and its application in medicine, (2) by providing a new, simpler and more accurate imaging and dosimetric tool for radiation therapy treatments to ensure the best patient outcome with the least risk, and (3) by training highly qualified personnel needed in the health care industry.