Abstract

A novel and suitable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) device, currently at the prototype stage, the Project OXIRIS (Orthovoltage X-Ray-Induced Radiation System), is presented for the simultaneous detection and treatment of cancer diseases. Monte Carlo simulation and experimental results of EDXRF signals from a small deep artificial tumor consisting of a solution of gold nanoparticles bio-targeted and immersed in a tissue-bioequivalent matrix are presented and compared. Briefly, the device consists of a dynamic orthovoltage X-ray fluence concentration coupled to confocal with an EDXRF system along with a sample holder for 3D scanning; all integrated and controlled by a dedicated software capable of controlling the whole operation functionalities: the X-ray source, the rotating arm, the sample holder, and the detection system. The software also includes dedicated subroutines for X-ray fluorescent spectra processing to correlate K-lines signal at each acquisition position with the corresponding high atomic number elements' concentration to produce a 3D distribution according to the user-defined grid. The confocal configuration ensures that the detected signal comes exclusively from the excited volume as defined by the bulk of the focal spot. Hence, the 3D image is achieved by scanning the sample holder through the movement of the sample-carrier stretcher moved by step motors in the 3 coordinated axes. The feasibility of the proposed methodology and the design of the prototype have been successfully demonstrated experimentally, targeting gold nanoparticles in water-equivalent phantoms.