Practical considerations for handling implants in proton therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

CT simulation scan is typically used for proton therapy planning. However, non-tissue-like materials are often not correctly characterized by the CT conversion curve, and medical implants of high-Z materials, such as metals, can introduce artifacts in CT images. These can negatively affect the accuracy of dose calculations, ultimately impacting both treatment planning and dose delivery.

Purpose

To present our clinical procedures for managing implants in patients treated with proton therapy.

Methods

We categorized implants into two groups-'small' and 'large'-based on their size relative to the CT voxel and their effect on image quality. To assess the influence of different implants on dose calculations, we conducted dose evaluations in a few patients with di

SUBMITTER: Vilches-Freixas G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12575054 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature