Fast and accurate proton computed tomography image reconstruction for applications in proton therapy

Abstract

Proton computed tomography has been suggested as a means for maximizing the potential benefits of proton radiation therapy. By measuring individual proton energy losses after traversing an object and predicting paths of maximum likelihood through the image space, relative stopping power maps can be generated for treatment planning and image guidance. However, the processes of proton interaction with the imaged object lead to a number of challenges in the image reconstruction procedure. In this work we describe our approach to obtaining accurate relative stopping power maps in the shortest amount of time. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.