INSCAPE

INSCAPE: Innovating the next-generation specialized cone-beam CT for adaptive proton therapy.

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy in which a beam of protons is used to kill tumor cells. The advantage of using protons over conventional x-rays is that protons feature a peaked depth-dose profile, the so-called Bragg peak, which allows to deliver the radiation much more localized. This results in a better sparing of the healthy tissue, and therefore fewer side effects. However, since the dose-profile is so peaked and precise, small perturbations in the patient position or anatomy during treatment can substantially degrade the treatment quality. Nowadays, we account for these uncertainties by also irradiating a margin around the tumor, to ensure the entire tumor volume will receive sufficient dose. This however leads to additional dose to the healthy tissue, so protons are not yet used up to their entire physical potential.
Online adaptive proton therapy aims to overcome these delivery uncertainties by taking a new 3D scan of the patient on each day of treatment, with the patient already on the treatment couch, and adapting the treatment plan based on this new image. This updated scan reduces the delivery uncertainties and therefore allows to treat with smaller tumor margins. However, the quality of the current on-board cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners is insufficient for plan adaptation. In INSCAPE, we will collaborate with industry to design and develop the next-generation CBCT to enable online adaptation. In particular, we will develop an accurate Monte-Carlo simulation platform and benchmark it with experiments. Using the platform, we will investigate the benefits of several hardware upgrades, including dual energy CBCT, photon counting CBCT, and many others.
 

Andreas SMOLDERS - 01/08/2025 – 31/07/2027