Particle Neutron Gamma-X Detection (PNGXD)

This dissertation examines the clinical feasibility of producing a new imaging procedure coined ‘Particle Neutron Gamma-X Detection (PNGXD)’. PNGXD is a newly proposed imaging concept developed specifically for the application of particle therapy. The premise is to take full advantage of the secondary neutrons produced from both the particle treatment unit and from within the patient by capturing them using a pre-administered gadolinium contrast agent (GDCA) located within the tumor volume [1]. 

In this thesis, PNGXD was investigated experimentally for proton therapy, a novel method to measure the neutron production was incorporated, and finally, gadolinium (Gd) neutron capture for 10 clinically viable charged particles was studied. In the first section, the first experimental measurements of Gd solution for five different configurations on a Mevion S250 passive double scattering treatment unit were performed. 

In the second section, a novel method for measuring slow neutrons using a commercial cadmium-telluride (CdTe) detector as an absolute thermal neutron measurement device on a proton therapy unit was investigated. 

In the third section, the potential to produce PNGXD as a result of secondary produced neutrons from 10 different charged particles all of which may prospectively be utilized for particle therapy was investigated. 

Lastly, in the final section applications and prospective future studies are discussed regarding the investigation of PNGXD.