Zeitschrift für Medizinische Physik (Feb 2022)

The role of Monte Carlo simulation in understanding the performance of proton computed tomography

  • George Dedes,
  • Jannis Dickmann,
  • Valentina Giacometti,
  • Simon Rit,
  • Nils Krah,
  • Sebastian Meyer,
  • Vladimir Bashkirov,
  • Reinhard Schulte,
  • Robert P. Johnson,
  • Katia Parodi,
  • Guillaume Landry

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 32, no. 1
pp. 23 – 38

Abstract

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Proton computed tomography (pCT) is a promising tomographic imaging modality allowing direct reconstruction of proton relative stopping power (RSP) required for proton therapy dose calculation. In this review article, we aim at highlighting the role of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation in pCT studies. After describing the requirements for performing proton computed tomography and the various pCT scanners actively used in recent research projects, we present an overview of available MC simulation platforms. The use of MC simulations in the scope of investigations of image reconstruction, and for the evaluation of optimal RSP accuracy, precision and spatial resolution omitting detector effects is then described. In the final sections of the review article, we present specific applications of realistic MC simulations of an existing pCT scanner prototype, which we describe in detail.

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