This work proposes a generic method for modeling scanned ion beam delivery systems, without simulation of the treatment nozzle and based exclusively on beam data library (BDL) measurements required for treatment planning systems (TPS). To this aim, new tools dedicated to treatment plan simulation were implemented in the Gate Monte Carlo platform. The method was applied to a dedicated nozzle fro...

In contrast to x-rays, protons have a low entrance dose, a well-defined high-dose plateau (“Bragg peak”), and no exit dose beyond the target tissue. These properties make them ideal for treating localized cancers in areas surrounded by doselimiting normal structures. Their routine use required the creation of dedicated medical treatment centers which have only been in existence since the early ...

Heavy charged particles interact with matter predominantly through inelastic collisions with atomic electrons. Slower particles give more energy to the electrons in comparison with faster particles; therefore, the delivered dose increases while the particle energy decreases. The point at which the particles deposit most of their energy is called the Bragg peak. The presence of a Bragg peak make...

Conformal proton radiation therapy requires accurate prediction of the Bragg peak position. Protons may be more suitable than conventional x-rays for this task since the relative electron density distribution can be measured directly with proton computed tomography (CT). However, proton CT has its own limitations, which need to be carefully studied before this technique can be introduced into r...

The effect of 1-(3-C-ethynyl-β-D-ribo-pentofuranosyl)cytosine (ECyd) on proton-induced cell death was evaluated in human lung carcinoma cell line A549 and Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line V79 to enhance relative biological effectiveness (RBE) within the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) of proton beams. Treatment with ECyd significantly enhanced the proton-induced loss of clonogenicity and incre...

PURPOSE In this article, we evaluate a plastic scintillation detector system for quality assurance in proton therapy using a BC-408 plastic scintillator, a commercial camera, and a computer. METHODS The basic characteristics of the system were assessed in a series of proton irradiations. The reproducibility and response to changes of dose, dose-rate, and proton energy were determined. Photogr...

Since 1957, broad proton beam radiotherapy with a spread out Bragg peak has been used for cancer treatment. More recently, studies on the use of proton therapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were performed and although the benefit of using protons for the treatment of NSCLC is recognized, more work is needed to gather additional data for the understanding of cell respons...

High-energy beams of charged nuclear particles !protons and heavier ions" offer significant advantages for the treatment of deep-seated local tumors in comparison to conventional megavolt photon therapy. Their physical depth-dose distribution in tissue is characterized by a small entrance dose and a distinct maximum !Bragg peak" near the end of range with a sharp fall-off at the distal edge. Ta...

PURPOSE In recent years, there has been a movement toward single-detector proton radiography, due to its potential ease of implementation within the clinical environment. One such single-detector technique is the dose ratio method in which the dose maps from two pristine Bragg peaks are recorded beyond the patient. To date, this has only been investigated on the distal side of the lower energy ...