Real-time tracking of the Bragg peak during proton therapy via 3D protoacoustic Imaging in a clinical scenario

This study utilizes our torso phantom to introduce a 3D protoacoustic imaging technique using a 2D matrix array of 256 ultrasound transducers, allowing for real-time imaging at up to 75 frames per second and achieving high precision (95.73% accuracy within 5 mm) at depths of several centimeters. The method was successfully applied in liver and prostate cancer treatments using a clinical proton machine, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying the Bragg peak in real clinical situations. This innovation could enable adaptive radiotherapy with real-time feedback, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.