Speaker
Description
Accurate dosimetric assessment in anatomically complex regions such as the vertebral column is essential for advancing radiotherapy and brachytherapy strategies, particularly in the management of bone metastases. This study presents the development of a computational phantom of the vertebral column, constructed from DICOM imaging data and incorporating a localized tumor volume. The phantom was designed for Monte Carlo simulations with a phosphorus-32 (³²P) beta-emitting source, enabling investigation of dose distribution in heterogeneous tissues.
To address the challenges posed by spinal heterogeneity, including cortical bone, bone marrow, and surrounding soft tissues, a realistic anatomical modeling approach was employed. Anatomical structures were segmented using the TotalSegmentator extension in 3D Slicer, with manual refinements applied to ensure accurate representation of cortical bone, bone marrow, and adjacent soft tissues. The resulting model is being adapted for input into MCNP6.2. This phantom enables evaluation of how tissue composition and geometry influence beta particle transport and dose deposition in critical structures, particularly the spinal cord.
This work represents an ongoing effort to establish a tailored computational tool that validates the clinical feasibility of ³²P-based brachytherapy in vertebral tumors. Future steps include simulation tests to quantify dose gradients and validation against experimental data. By integrating anatomical realism with dosimetric modeling, the phantom is expected to provide reference conditions that support treatment planning and contribute to safer and more effective applications of beta-emitting sources in spinal oncology.