Variations in linear energy transfer within clinical proton therapy fields and the potential for biological treatment planning.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To calculate the linear energy transfer (LET) distributions in patients undergoing proton therapy. These distributions can be used to identify areas of elevated or diminished biological effect. The location of such areas might be influenced in intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) optimization.

Methods and materials

Because Monte Carlo studies to investigate the LET distribution in patients have not been undertaken so far, the code is first validated with simulations in water. The code was used in five patients, for each of them three planning and delivery techniques were simulated: passive scattering, three-dimensional modulation IMPT (3D-IMPT), and distal edge tracking IMPT (DET-IMPT).

Results

The inclusion of secondary particles led to significant diffe

SUBMITTER: Grassberger C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3094592 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature