Thesis

Feasibility studies on the application of relativistic electron beams from a laser plasma wakefield accelerator in radiotherapy

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2014
Thesis identifier
  • T13900
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Abstract
  • Very high energy electrons (VHEEs) (100-250 MeV) have the potential of becoming an alternative modality in radiotherapy because of their improved dosimetry properties compared with X-ray photons, which could confer possible radiobiological benefits. The rapid development of ultra-compact laser-plasma wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) is now providing a potential low cost device for VHEE radiotherapy. These beams have characteristics unlike any other beams currently used for radiotherapy: femotosecond radiation pulses, small field size and energies that exceed electron energies currently used in clinical applications. A set of Monte Carlo (MC) calculations have been performed to study dosimetric properties of VHEEs propagating in water. To assess radiation protection and safety handling issues, the generation of neutrons, induced activity and equivalent doses have been evaluated. A dosimetry system, consisting of EBT2 Gafchromic® film and EPSON Expression 10000XL scanner, for VHEEs has been established. EBT2 Gafchromic film turns out to be a robust dosimeter with a minor energy-dependent response over a broad range of beam energies and modalities, and can be successfully used for dosimetry of very high energy electron beams. The dosimetric measurements have been carried out using three different accelerators: a 20 MeV clinical LINAC, a 165 MeV conventional LINAC and a 135 MeV laser-plasma wakefield accelerator. The measurements have been compared with Monte Carlo simulations using the FLUKA code. Additionally, the set of dose measurements employing IBA CC04 ionisation chamber has been presented. Dosimetric measurements have been complemented by preliminary cancer cell irradiation studies to determine the toxicity and dose response to LWFA VHEEs of two lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H460). The efficacy of VHEEs on in vitro tumour cells has been assessed by clonogenic assay and γ-H2AX assay employing immunofluorescence detection of signalling molecules has been deployed to indicate DNA double-strand breaks and repair.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2014
Former identifier
  • 1041935

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