Yifei Pi | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Focal-point scanning for dose delivery and optimization with focused laser-accelerated very-high-energy electron beams

Focused very-high-energy electron (VHEE) beams can produce localized dose enhancement at selected depths, but irradiation of a finite target requires coordinated control of multiple focal positions, incidence directions, and beam weights while limiting exposure of nearby organs at risk (OARs). We present Focal-Point Scanning (FPS), a dose delivery and optimization method developed for laser wakefield accelerator (LWFA)-driven VHEE beams. The method is based on a two-dipole focusing system that produces single-plane beam convergence and allows the focal position to be varied by changing the magnetic field strength. FPS distributes focal points throughout the planning target volume and determines focal-point-specific incidence sectors according to the geometry of nearby critical OARs. The method was evaluated using the AAPM TG119 C-shape benchmark and one previously treated lung radiotherapy case. At matched target coverage, FPS reduced the TG119 Core mean dose by approximately one half relative to parallel VHEE and intensity-modulated x-ray plans, approaching the single-field proton pencil-beam-scanning reference. In the lung case, FPS maintained target coverage comparable to the clinical volumetric modulated arc therapy reference while reducing the mean dose to every evaluated OAR; spinal-cord mean and maximum doses decreased by 93.2% and 87.2%, respectively. The evaluated OAR mean doses varied little across rms energy spreads of 0 to 10% and for a flat-top electron spectrum spanning 150 to 250 MeV. These results demonstrate that focal-point-specific angular selection can translate focused-beam physics into effective OAR sparing and support FPS as a planning strategy for broadband LWFA-VHEE radiotherapy.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2023

Experimental demonstration of mice tumor control with a laser-accelerated high-energy electron radiotherapy prototype

Radiotherapy using very-high-energy electron (VHEE) beams (50-300 MeV) has attracted considerable attention due to its advantageous dose deposition characteristics, enabling deep penetration and the potential for ultra-high dose rate treatment. One promising approach to compactly delivering these high energy electron beams in a cost-effective manner is laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA), which offers ultra-strong accelerating gradients. However, the transition from this concept to a functional machine intended for tumor treatment is still being investigated. Here we present the first self-developed prototype for LWFA-based VHEE radiotherapy, exhibiting high compactness (occupying less than 5 square meters) and high operational stability (validated over a period of one month). Subsequently, we employed this device to irradiate a tumor implanted in a mouse model. Following a dose delivery of $5.8\pm0.2$ Gy with precise tumor conformity, all irradiated mice exhibited pronounced control of tumor growth. For comparison, this tumor-control efficacy was similar to that achieved using commercial X-ray radiotherapy equipment operating at equivalent doses. These results demonstrate the potential of a compact laser-driven VHEE system for preclinical studies involving small animal models and its promising prospects for future clinical translation in cancer therapy.

physics.med-ph↗