Prof. Dr. Joao Seco (DKFZ Heidelberg): Harnessing particle physics for real-time monitoring in radiotherapy: the promise of prompt-gamma imaging

Accurate dose delivery is critical in particle radiotherapy, yet range uncertainties arising from tissue heterogeneity and patient motion remain a major challenge. Prompt gamma imaging (PGI) offers a powerful, physics-based solution by detecting prompt gamma rays emitted almost instantaneously during nuclear interactions between therapeutic ion beams and patient tissue. These emissions provide real-time information on the beam range and can be correlated with the local chemical composition of tissue, offering insight into both treatment accuracy and biological variability. By integrating PGI with advanced detection and computational modeling techniques, it becomes possible to achieve in vivo, real-time verification of dose deposition and to refine treatment planning through tissue-specific analysis. This interdisciplinary approach bridges particle physics and radiobiology, paving the way for safer, more precise, and adaptive radiotherapy.
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