A comparison of acoustic waves generated in proton and carbon-ion therapy

Particle therapy, specifically proton and carbon ion therapy, represents a promising cancer treatment method that leverages hadrons' unique energy deposition profiles. Optimizing beam parameters enables maximum energy transfer at the Bragg peak, targeting tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The ionoacoustic waves generated by energy deposition through thermal expansion and localized heating from electronic collisions offer potential applications in dose optimization, range verification, and comparative studies of different particle types. This study proposes an analytical model for predicting the depth-dose distribution of carbon-ion beams in particle therapy. Based on Bortfeld's approach, our model addresses fragmentation processes and energy deposition patterns of carbon ions, providing an efficient alternative to Monte Carlo simulations for treatment planning and dose optimization. Furthermore, we analyze ionoacoustic signals from proton and carbon-ion beams in tissue using mathematical modeling and computational simulations. We investigate Carbon Ion-induced Acoustic Signals (CIAS) as a non-invasive, high-resolution method for real-time imaging, tracking dose distribution, and beam position during treatment. Examining the nuclear fragmentation tail in carbon-ion therapy reveals significant insights into ionoacoustic signal profiles, showcasing carbon ions' distinct energy deposition characteristics in acoustic waveforms.