Proof-of-concept {PRAGUE} (Proton range measurement using silicon carbide) detection system: Monte Carlo simulation and first experimental results

Particle therapy is a viable alternative to conventional radiotherapy for treating deep-seated tumors on account of reduced radiation loading on the patient arising from more targeted dose deposition by charged particles along their tracks. In order to exploit proton therapy to the fullest, a robust quality assurance (QA) protocol and tools for reducing range uncertainties are essential. To address the latter issue, the PRAGUE (Proton range measurement using silicon carbide) detection system was proposed by the medical physics group of INFN-LNS, aimed at developing a real-time solid-state detector in “stack” configuration to measure depth-dose distribution (DDD) curves with μm-spatial resolution and perform routine proton therapy QA for both conventional and ultra-high dose-rate beams. Additionally, the Monte Carlo TOPAS software (a Geant4 wrapper dedicated to medical physics applications) was used to analyze and predict the proton DDD. Results have been experimentally benchmarked through measurements performed at the Trento Proton Therapy Center. A positive match between simulated and measured data provides proof-of-concept support to the application of the proposed detection system to conventional proton therapy, paving the way for PRAGUE to potentially become a standard in dosimetry for clinical treatment.