Research Projects
A novel Range Telescope for proton CT
ASTRA
A novel Range Telescope for proton CT
Proton CT for Cancer Therapy – ASTRA Project
As cancer becomes a growing social challenge due to an aging population, improving diagnosis and treatment is critical. Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) is a promising method, particularly for tumors in hard-to-reach areas like the brain. PBT takes advantage of the Bragg Peak to deliver high doses to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
For accurate treatment planning, a detailed 3D map of the body’s Relative Stopping Power (RSP) is needed. Current X-ray CT methods introduce uncertainties when converting electron density data into RSP, potentially leading to targeting errors of several millimeters. A more precise alternative is proton CT, which uses the proton beam itself for imaging.
The ASTRA project proposes a novel detector based on scintillator trackers, building on technology developed for the T2K experiment. A published feasibility study suggests excellent performance. The project’s goal is to build and test a small prototype with real proton beams.
This initiative involves international collaboration, including partners providing readout electronics, and lays the foundation for future European funding to develop a commercial proton CT system.
- Funded by: MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR
- Funding recipient: IFAE
- Project code: PDC2022-133127-I00
