Design of practical proton-activated implantable markers for proton range verification using PET

Specific Aims: The aim of this research project is to develop a fiducial marker that can be used for in vivo proton range verification following proton therapy. Our group has previously shown the feasibility of using novel elements as proton-activated fiducial markers that can be imaged using an off-site PET scanner (Cho et al 2013). In this research, we will investigate the optimal physical configuration of those markers while ensuring their detectability in a PET imaging and minimizing their physical size to allow their implantation in many human organs. In this regard, we intend to develop a fiducial marker that (1) is easy to implant, (2) does not migrate, and (3) provide adequate radio-opacity and (4) is detectable in PET images after irradiation by protons. The developed fiducial markers will serve as normal radiographic/CT fiducial markers and provide additional information for proton range and therapy verifications using PET.