Comparison of protons and very high-energy electrons transmission pencil-beam-scanning for FLASH radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Very High-Energy Electron (VHEE) radiotherapy stands as a promising alternative to proton therapy in view of the FLASH effect, which allows for differential sparing of healthy tissues under ultra-high dose rate irradiation. This study compared the quality of transmission Pencil-Beam-Scanning proton and VHEE treatment plans, with emphasis on dose rate quantification relevant to the assessment of the FLASH effect.

Materials and methods

Proton (250 MeV) and VHEE (200 MeV and 150 MeV) treatment plans were designed for four patient cases. Plans were optimized using an in-house developed spot weight and position optimization algorithm. Objectives were set through scorecards based on RTOG protocols. Dose rate estimations were based on beam parameters of the P

SUBMITTER: Gesualdi F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639469 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature