A parameter study of pencil beam proton dose distributions for the treatment of ocular melanoma utilizing spot scanning.

Abstract

The results of Monte Carlo calculated dose distributions of proton treatment of ocular melanoma are presented. An efficient spot scanning method utilizing active energy modulation, which also minimizes the number of target spots was developed. We simulated various parameter values for the particle energy spread and the pencil beam diameter in order to determine values suitable for medical treatment. We found that a 2.5-mm-diameter proton beam with a 5% Gaussian energy spread was suitable for treatment of ocular melanoma while preserving vision for the typical case that we simulated. The energy spectra and the required proton current were also calculated and are reported. The results are intended to serve as a guideline for a new class of low-cost, compact accelerators.

• Authors: Kenneth Sutherland, Satoshi Miyajima, Hiroyuki Date, Hiroki Shirato, Masayori Ishikawa, Masao Murakami, Mitsuru Yamagiwa, Paul Bolton, Toshiki Tajima
• Journal: Radiological physics and technology (Radiol Phys Technol) Vol. 3 Issue 1 Pg. 16-22 (Jan 2010) ISSN: 1865-0341 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 20821097 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Protons

Topics

• Eye Neoplasms (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Lasers
• Melanoma (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Monte Carlo Method
• Organs at Risk (radiation effects)
• Proton Therapy
• Radiation Dosage
• Radiotherapy Dosage
• Tumor Burden