Clinical radiation dose verification by topographic persistent luminescence dosimetry

Radiation dose verification in radiotherapy is essential to determine the dose delivered to irradiated tissue while minimizing normal tissue toxicity. However, the challenge remains in determining topographic ra-diation dose profiles due to limitations in conventional dosimeters. Herein, we report a robust technique for visualizing and verifying clinical doses based on reusable, flexible scintillating films comprising lanthanide-doped persistent luminescent nanoparticles. These nanoparticle-based films outperform commercially available radiochromic films in terms of linear response to irradiation doses between 0 and 25 Gy. We demonstrate topographic persistent luminescence dosimetry for radiotherapy of mice and rabbits with malignant tumors. Our data show a higher signal-to-background ratio, especially at lower (< 0.1 Gy) and higher (> 10 Gy) X-ray doses. We also demonstrate that topographic persistent luminescence dosimetry can record complex clinical dose distributions for dose verification and radiotherapy planning.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Radiation dose verification is crucial in radiotherapy to ensure accurate delivery to the targeted tissue while minimizing harm to normal tissue. Traditional dosimeters face limitations in determining topographic radiation dose profiles. This study presents a robust technique using reusable, flexible scintillating films with lanthanide-doped persistent luminescent nanoparticles for visualizing and verifying clinical doses. The nanoparticle-based films outperform commercially available radiochromic films in their linear response to irradiation doses. Complex clinical dose distributions can be accurately recorded using this technique for dose verification and radiotherapy planning.