SU-E-T-438: Optimal Proton Beam Energy to Treat Adult CNS, Adult Head and Neck, and Pediatric Cancers

Medical Physics
K KainzX Li

Abstract

Proton therapy machines with lower beam energy requirements are expected to be easier and more cost-efficient to design, construct, and operate, particularly when using novel proton acceleration technology (e.g., dielectric wall). We determine, for adult central nervous system (CNS) and head and neck (HN) and pediatric cases, the optimal proton beam energies that can lead to clinically acceptable plan quality. Proton treatment plans for various adult CNS and HN and pediatric cases, previously treated at our institution using helical tomotherapy, were generated using a commercial planning system (XiO, v. 4.62, Elekta) with a passively-scattered proton beam model. Proton beam orientations were chosen such that the distance from the skin to the distal target edge was minimal; however, beams could not pass through areas with significant surface irregularity (e.g. ear), nor through OARs with strict dose limitations (e.g. lens). For a given beam direction, the planning system would calculate an optimum range and modulation to cover a given target volume. Beam weights were adjusted so that 95% of the target volume received the prescribed dose. All plans were limited to two proton beams. An optimal proton energy exists for each case st...Continue Reading

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