# Proton CT -- a novel diagnostic tool in cancer therapy

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new proton CT imaging technique designed to improve cancer radiotherapy planning by reducing uncertainties inherent in traditional photon-based CT scans.

## Contribution

Development of a sampling calorimeter for proton CT measurements to enhance precision in cancer treatment planning.

## Key findings

- Prototype calorimeter developed and tested
- Potential for reduced treatment uncertainties
- Improved accuracy in dose planning

## Abstract

Radiotherapy is one of the main methods in the successful treatment of cancer. The tumor is irradiated with photons or charged particles (e.g. protons), and in the case of massive charged particles, the treatment results in less unnecessary dose outside the tumor and therefore less side effects for the patient and a faster recovery. However, the dose planning of hadron therapy is calculated from photon CT measurements, which results in large uncertainties in the planning and therefore in a necessary enlargement of the treatment area. This uncertainty can be reduced by performing the CT scan using protons. The current contribution shows the development of a sampling calorimeter for proton CT measurements and describes the state of the project.