# Improving the Inclusivity of Cherenkov Imaging in Radiotherapy for Diverse Patient Groups

> **NIH NIH F31** · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · 2022 · $46,752

## Abstract

Recently, Cherenkov imaging has emerged as a novel clinical tool, revolutionizing how the radiotherapy
(RT) team can view treatments. RT had always been considered a “blind” procedure since clinical radiation
beams are invisible to the human eye. However, as patients are irradiated with x-rays or electrons, a low light
signal is generated within their tissue, called the “Cherenkov effect”, and the amount of light is proportional to
the amount of radiation dose delivered. At Dartmouth, the Optics in Medicine Laboratory has developed a
way to image this light signal on the surface of a patient during RT, transforming RT to no longer be a “blind”
procedure. This novel imaging tool lends itself to many practical applications, including the opportunity to
develop a non-contact, passive, whole surface dosimetry tool following the relationship between Cherenkov
emission and dose deposition. However, many factors influence this relationship and must be accounted for
before this can be achieved.
 One of the most important factors is melanin concentration. We know that higher melanin
concentrations found in dark-skinned patients can reduce the amount of light signal by nearly an order of
magnitude compared to light-skinned patients. However, due to the limited patient demographics at
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (DHH), the team has not imaged dark skin patients and any development thus far
has been made with the predominant light-skinned population in the catchment area. The primary objectives
of this proposed research project are to collect and analyze a diverse patient data set representative of the
country and develop a skin color calibration algorithm for clinical Cherenkov imaging, with the ultimate goal of
transforming Cherenkov imaging into an inclusive dosimetry tool that works for all patients. This will be
achieved through a collaboration that the research applicant has formed between DHH (Lebanon, NH), Moffitt
Cancer Center (Tampa, FL) and DoseOptics LLC (Lebanon, NH), who will provide the Cherenkov imaging
hardware and software support. Moffitt Cancer Center’s catchment area is comprised of ~33% minorities,
compared to DHH’s ~4%. This work will be first to address clinical Cherenkov imaging for dark-skinned patients
and develop a calibration for skin tone, an essential component for an optical dosimetry tool.
 The applicant’s training objectives include facilitating a multi-institutional collaboration, broadening
knowledge of medical physics, and developing clinical and technical skills for a career in medical physics.
Giving formal presentations, participating in workshops and journal clubs, mentoring and teaching other
students, and authoring peer-reviewed papers will contribute to the applicant’s professional development.
With support from sponsors and collaborators, this proposed fellowship will advance the applicant towards a
successful and productive career in medical physics, contributing meaningful research for the entirety of her
career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10606117
- **Project number:** 1F31EB034181-01
- **Recipient organization:** DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Savannah Marie Decker
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $46,752
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-20 → 2024-09-19

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10606117

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10606117, Improving the Inclusivity of Cherenkov Imaging in Radiotherapy for Diverse Patient Groups (1F31EB034181-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10606117. Licensed CC0.

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