Improving Cancer Radiation Therapy with Charged Particles

Speaker: Dr. Dennis Muecher

Nowadays, mostly X-ray and gamma-radiation are used for the radiation treatment of cancer. Using beams of charged particles, like protons and carbon ions, allows to destroy the tumour cell more effectively. Furthermore, the dose distribution can be better concentrated to the tumor site, inducing less damage to healthy tissue. This is of critical importance for the treatment of radiation resistant tumors and tumors close to organs at risk.
Radiation therapy with charged particles also may reduce the risk of secondary cancer, which becomes most important for the treatment of children. radiation therapy with charged particles requires a new level of precision in terms of dose and beam position monitoring during treatment. I will show simulations using the GEANT4 package to model improved tracking and dose monitoring techniques. I will also discuss the need and current status of detector developments for the detection of gamma rays and
charged particles towards clinical applications.