Cherenkov imaging combined with scintillation dosimetry provides real-time positional and dose monitoring for radiotherapy patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices

Background and purpose

Cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED) require dose monitoring during each fraction of radiotherapy, which can be time consuming and may have delayed read-out times. This study explores the potential of Cherenkov imaging combined with scintillation dosimetry as an alternative verification system.

Methods and materials

Time-gated, complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (iCMOS) cameras were used to collect video images of anthropomorphic phantoms and patients undergoing radiation treatment near chest wall cardiac devices. Scintillator discs and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) were used for dose measurement. Accuracy of spatial delivery was assessed by overlaying predicted surface dose outlines derived from the treatment planning system (TPS) with the Cherenkov images. Dose measurements from OSLDs and scintillators were compared.

Results

In phantom studies, Cherenkov images visibly indicated when dose was delivered to the CIED as compared to non-overlapping dose deliveries. Comparison with dose overlays revealed congruence at the planned position and non-congruence when the phantom was shifted from the initial position. Absolute doses derived from scintillator discs aligned well with the OSLD measurements and TPS predictions for three different positions, measuring within 10 % for in-field positions and within 5 % for out-of-field positions. For two patients with CIEDs imaged over 18 fractions, Cherenkov imaging confirmed positional accuracy for all fractions, and dose measured by scintillator discs deviated by <0.015 Gy from the OSLD measurements.

Conclusions

Cherenkov imaging combined with scintillation dosimetry presents an alternative methodology for CIED monitoring with the added benefit of instantly detecting deviations, enabling timely corrective actions or proper patient triage.