Speaker
Description
Background and Aims
The EDNEP project (Evaluation of Neutron Dosimetry Equipment for Proton Therapy Facilities), funded by the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), addresses the increasing need for accurate neutron dosimetry in modern proton therapy centers. As the number of proton therapy installations grows in Spain and worldwide, secondary neutron radiation generated during treatment has become a major concern in radiation protection for occupationally exposed workers, patiens and public. The project aims to evaluate the performance of existing neutron dosimetry and spectrometry systems, assess new instrumentation under development, and propose improvements to radiation protection practices in these facilities.
Methods
The study focuses on a synchrocyclotron-based proton therapy center, representative of most facilities in the Spanish network. The project is structured into three main work packages. First, spectrometric and dosimetric systems are experimentally verified and characterized at the Neutron Measurement Laboratory (LMN-ETSII) and through Monte Carlo simulations. Second, a metrological characterization of the facility is performed using neutron spectrometry, combining experimental measurements and Monte Carlo modeling to establish reference neutron spectra. Third, the response and performance of neutron area and personal dosimeters—including extended-range detectors, Bonner sphere systems, passive TLD-based devices, and electronic dosimeters—are evaluated under realistic radiation field conditions. Detailed Monte Carlo models are developed to simulate environmental dose equivalent, activation, and radiation fields under clinical workload scenarios.
Results
Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating measurements and simulations to characterize complex neutron fields in proton therapy centers. Differences in detector response are observed depending on energy range and pulsed radiation conditions. Realistic facility modeling improves dose estimation accuracy.
Conclusions
EDNEP strengthens neutron dosimetry methodologies and supports improved radiation protection protocols, contributing to the safe and sustainable expansion of proton therapy facilities.