Spatial mapping of the biologic effectiveness of scanned particle beams: towards biologically optimized particle therapy.

ABSTRACT: The physical properties of particles used in radiation therapy, such as protons, have been well characterized, and their dose distributions are superior to photon-based treatments. However, proton therapy may also have inherent biologic advantages that have not been capitalized on. Unlike photon beams, the linear energy transfer (LET) and hence biologic effectiveness of particle beams varies along the beam path. Selective placement of areas of high effectiveness could enhance tumor cell kill and simultaneously spare normal tissues. However, previous methods for mapping spatial variations in biologic effectiveness are time-consuming and often yield inconsistent results with large uncertainties. Thus the data needed to accurately model relative biological effectiveness to guide novel treatme

SUBMITTER: Guan F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4650781 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature