From conception to clinical trial: IViST, the first multi-sensor-based platform for real-time In Vivo Source Tracking in HDR brachytherapy

Abstract This study is aimed to introduce a novel multi-sensor-based dosimetry platform for real-time plan monitoring in HDR brachytherapy: IViST (In Vivo Source Tracking). IViST is a platform composed of three components: 1) an optimized and characterized multi-point plastic scintillator dosimeter (3 points mPSD; using BCF-60, BCF-12, and BCF-10 scintillators), 2) a compact assembly of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) coupled to dichroic mirrors and filters for high-sensitivity scintillation light collection, and 3) a Python-based graphical user interface used for system management and signal processing. IViST can simultaneously measure dose, triangulate source position, and measure dwell time. By making 100 000 measurements/s, IViST samples enough data to quickly perform key QA/QC tasks such as identifying wrong individual dwell time, position, or interchanged transfer tubes. By using 3 co-linear sensors and planned information for an implant geometry, the platform can also triangulate source position in real-time. A clinical trial to validate this system is presently on-going using the IViST system.