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Title: SU-E-T-283: Dose Perturbations Near Heterogeneity Junctions for Modulated-Scanning Protons

Journal Article · · Medical Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1118/1.4924645· OSTI ID:22548340
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  1. Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Shanghai (China)

Purpose: To compare calculated and measured doses near heterogeneity junctions of tissue-substitute materials for modulated-scanning protons. Methods: Three heterogeneous phantoms were configured using slabs of various plastics to simulate lung, fat, soft-tissue (polystyrene), and bone with known relative linear stopping powers (RLSPs). Each phantom consisted of soft-tissue and a single heterogeneity of a 5 or 10 cm thickness of a non-soft-tissue material. CT images were loaded into a Syngo treatment planning system and each material contoured and assigned its RLSP. Planning target volumes (PTVs) were drawn such that a beam would partially traverse the heterogeneity and partially only soft-tissue. Lateral profiles were measured using EDR2 films at a minimum of six depths between the phantom surface and the depth corresponding to the beam range. Absolute doses were measured inside and distal to the PTV in all phantoms using either a parallel plate or thimble chamber. Additional dose measurements were made between two lung slabs. Results: Profiles measured by film generally agreed with calculations except for depths distal to lung and fat junctions. Measured lateral penumbras for depths at the distal junction of lung were found to be wider than calculated ones. Compared with calculated doses, measured doses in the PTVs were 5.19% and 2.51% lower for lung and fat respectively but for bone were 0.2% higher. Measured doses for depths distal to the PTV were up to 29.65% and 10.58% higher for lung and fat, respectively but 6.30% lower for bone. Conclusion: The low measured doses in the PTVs for lung and fat might be due to underestimation of lateral scattering of protons. The higher measured doses distal to the PTV for the lung and fat are a Result of a shortened calculated beam range whereas the higher dose distal to the bone junction is within uncertainties.

OSTI ID:
22548340
Journal Information:
Medical Physics, Vol. 42, Issue 6; Other Information: (c) 2015 American Association of Physicists in Medicine; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-2405
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English