Collimated and non-collimated proton minibeam irradiation using SIRMIO: a simulation study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/1651-226X.2025.44031Keywords:
pMBRT, SIRMIO, PVDRAbstract
Background and purpose: Successful clinical integration of pMBRT requires comprehensive investigations of the relationship between various pMBRT parameters and their associated biological effects. Such investigations are critically dependent on small animal models. Therefore, a state-of-the-art small animal irradiation platform like SIRMIO (Small Animal Proton Irradiator for Research in Molecular Image-guided Radiation-Oncology), capable of delivering precisely controlled spatially fractionated doses, is highly desirable for advancing preclinical pMBRT research.
Material and methods: This in silico study evaluates the SIRMIO beamline’s capability to deliver beams essential for pMBRT experiments. We used Geant4-based Monte Carlo simulations to investigate two configurations: one without a collimator, and one using a 30 mm thick brass multislit collimator (MSC). For both configurations, we examined center-to-center (CTC) of 3, 4, and 5 mm, with a constant 1 mm slit width when MSC is used.
Results: The SIRMIO beamline can effectively generate spatially fractionated dose profiles with varying CTC. Without a collimator, sufficient dose contrast for pMBRT can be achieved with CTC of 4 mm and above, as evidenced by peak-to-valley dose ratios (PVDR) of 3.44 and 6.57 for 4 and 5 mm CTC, respectively. MSC further enhances dose contrast, achieving PVDR of 11.3, 20.7, and 28.7 for 3, 4, and 5 mm CTC, respectively. Furthermore, we explored interlacing beams as a means of achieving a uniform target dose while preserving dose contrast in normal tissue, demonstrating the potential of this approach using the SIRMIO beamline.
Interpretation: The SIRMIO platform can be a viable option for pMBRT experiments.
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