Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective. The main goal of this research is to verify the spatial fidelity of radiacoustic imaging (RAI) as a quantitative dosimetric monitoring tool for FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) in vivo . FLASH-RT delivers therapeutic radiation at ultra-high instantaneous dose rates (>10 6 Gy s −1 ), offering substantial reductions in normal tissue toxicity while maintaining tumor control. However, clinical translation remains limited by the absence of real-time, in vivo dosimetry systems capable of resolving dose delivery at microsecond timescales. Approach. Here, we present an RAI platform that enables volumetric, single-pulse mapping of radiation dose deposition during FLASH-RT in vivo . The system utilizes a 16 × 16 ultrasound transducer matrix array with a model-based reconstruction algorithm to generate quantitative, three-dimensional dose maps with single pulse-level temporal resolution. Main results. In both water phantoms and in vivo murine models, RAI demonstrates high concordance with film dosimetry and TOPAS Monte Carlo simulations (3%/3 mm gamma index pass rates greater than 90% for small fields). Significance. This work establishes RAI as a viable technology for real-time, quantitative electron FLASH dosimetry in vivo for the first time, with the potential to support adaptive delivery, improve treatment safety, and facilitate the clinical translation of FLASH-RT.
Source: Physics in Medicine and Biology
Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Language: English
Subfield: Radiation
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,325
Awards: Quantitative in vivo dosimetry for radiotherapy using model-based X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography, 3D In vivo dosimetry for FLASH proton therapy, Cancer Center Support Grant, Academic-Industry Partnership for the Translation of a 4D in vivo Dosimetry Approach for Radiation Therapy
OpenAlex ID: W7164898038
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