Abstract

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Title:: Shielding optimization of proton therapy facilities based on Monte Carlo simulations and voxelized human phantoms

Author(s):: YAN Zhuo1; X. George XU1; 2; CHEN Zhi1; 1. School of Physical Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China 2. Nuclear Engineering Program, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA

Abstract:: Objective To evaluate the shielding optimization of proton therapy facilities by using Monte Carlo (MC) methods and voxelized computational USTC human phantoms(USTC phantoms). Methods The shielding design of a new proton therapy facility in Hefei Ion Medical Center (HIMC) was evaluated through the calculation of the Equivalent Dose Rate (EDR) in different parts of voxelized phantoms at different positions by using MC simulations and USTC phantoms, and the EDR was then compared with the EDR calculated through empirical formulas. Results When iron was used as target。EDR calculated by empirical formulas were 27.6 times higher than that by MC simulations, and when water was used as target, EDR calculated by empirical formulas were 36.6times higher than that by MC simulations. Thus, the dose was overestimated to some degree inempirical formulas, resulting in excessive shielding costs, which does not meet the principle of radiation protection optimization. Conclusion The calculation by using MC simulations and the USTC phantoms can be more accurate and optimized in the shielding evaluation of proton therapy facilities.