Abstract: Described herein is a system for 3D proton imaging encompassing both proton radiography (pRad) and proton CT (pCT). The disclosed system can reduce range uncertainties, while providing a fast and efficient check of patient set up and integrated range along a beam's eye view just before treatment. The disclosed system provides a complete solution to the range inaccuracy problem in proton therapy, substantially reducing the uncertainties of treatment planning by directly measuring relative stopping power without being affected by image artifacts and with much lower dose to the patient than comparable x-ray images. Also described herein is a proton imaging algorithm for prompt iterative 3D pCT image reconstruction, where each iteration is fast and efficient, and the number of iterations is minimized. The method offers a unique solution that optimally fits different protons and does not depend on the starting point for the first iteration.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for generating a medical image is provided. In some embodiments, the medical image is generated by determining a location and an alignment for a first tracking detector with respect to a particle beam system. The direction of a beam generated from the particle beam system is determined. A first position of a first particle from a detected particle hit on the first tracking detector is also determined. A determination is made as to a first residual range of the first particle from a detected particle hit on a residual range detector. The system reconstructs a path for the first particle based on the location, the alignment, the first position, and the first residual range of the first particle. The resulting medical image that is generated by the system is based on the reconstructed path for the first particle.

Abstract: A novel proton imaging system incorporates positron emission detections to enhance proton therapy treatment preparation and procedural efficiencies while reducing operational costs associated with proton therapy. In one case, the novel proton imaging system incorporating a positron emission tomography (PET) module enables rapid on-the-fly in vivo range verification for proton therapy using position information from short-lived positron emitters produced during treatment. This unique in vivo range verification method produces more streamlined, accurate, and cost-effective results relative to conventional proton imaging systems. In another case, the novel proton imaging system incorporating the PET module provides a unique combinatory PET/pCT (proton computer tomography) scanning that creates more accurate maps for proton therapy planning for metabolically-active tumors.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a first tracking detector and a second tracking detector. The tracking detectors are spaced to allow for an object to be present between the first tracking detector and the second tracking detector. The system also includes a residual range detector adjacent the first tracking detector. The residual range detector includes: (1) a scintillator material having a first surface at least partially covered with an anti-reflection material and a second surface facing the first tracking detector and (2) at least one photon detector coupled to the scintillator material at a third surface of the scintillator material different than the first surface and opposite the second surface.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a first tracking detector and a second tracking detector. The tracking detectors are spaced to allow for an object to be present between the first tracking detector and the second tracking detector. The system also includes a residual range detector adjacent the first tracking detector. The residual range detector includes: (1) a scintillator material having a first surface at least partially covered with an anti-reflection material and a second surface facing the first tracking detector and (2) at least one photon detector coupled to the scintillator material at a third surface of the scintillator material different than the first surface and opposite the second surface.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a first tracking detector and a second tracking detector. The tracking detectors are spaced to allow for an object to be present between the first tracking detector and the second tracking detector. The system also includes a residual range detector adjacent the first tracking detector. The residual range detector includes: (1) a scintillator material having a first surface at least partially covered with an anti-reflection material and a second surface facing the first tracking detector and (2) at least one photon detector coupled to the scintillator material at a third surface of the scintillator material different than the first surface and opposite the second surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for generating a medical image is provided. In some embodiments, the medical image is generated by determining a location and an alignment for a first tracking detector with respect to a particle beam system. The direction of a beam generated from the particle beam system is determined. A first position of a first particle from a detected particle hit on the first tracking detector is also determined. A determination is made as to a first residual range of the first particle from a detected particle hit on a residual range detector. The system reconstructs a path for the first particle based on the location, the alignment, the first position, and the first residual range of the first particle. The resulting medical image that is generated by the system is based on the reconstructed path for the first particle.