Applied Mathematics Colloquium

Title: Development of prompt gamma based in-vivo range verification systems in proton radiotherapy

Abstract: Proton beams exhibit a sharp increase in the rate of dose deposition toward the end of their range, known as the Bragg peak. The sharp fall-off of delivered dose both laterally and beyond the Bragg peak leads to the ability to deliver highly localized doses to a tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue in the patient. This has led to the development of proton beam radiotherapy, since it was first suggested in 1942, into a viable radiotherapy treatment option whose use today is rapidly growing worldwide. This seminar will provide a brief overview of the advantages and current shortcomings of proton radiotherapy. Dr. Polfs current research into the development of in-vivo imaging systems and statistical image reconstruction techniques as a means of overcoming these current shortcomings in proton radiotherapy will be discussed.