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| Home > Publications database > FLASH optimization for multi-beam proton therapy |
| Master Thesis | DKFZ-2021-02547 |
2021
Abstract: Radiotherapy is a balancing act between maximizing tumor control and minimizing radiation-inducedtoxicity. FLASH radiotherapy has shown promising results in reducing the healthy tissue damage for thesame level of tumor toxicity. This work aims at the development of a treatment plan strategy for FLASHradiotherapy, considering multiple proton beams. In order to allow that, we must divide the target indifferent regions. Each region is irradiated with either FLASH or conventional beams, and then webring the different irradiated regions all together in an optimized stitching geometry. Different tools andmethods of incorporating dose rate into treatment planning were explored. Particularly, both sequentialand simultaneous dose and dose rate optimization techniques were studied, and specific treatment planswere implemented. Results showed the potential of the stitching geometry in accommodating multipleFLASH beams in homogeneous target irradiation, while preventing the creation of overdosing scenarios.For a treatment plan considering one FLASH and three conventional beams whose dose and dose ratewere sequentially optimized, a homogeneity index of 0.14 and a D2% equivalent to 109.5% of the totalprescribed dose were achieved. For the simultaneous optimization treatment plans, preconditioningproblems impacted the solution found by the optimizer, and homogeneity indexes of 0.73 and 0.90 werecomputed for plans considering two FLASH and one conventional beams. Nevertheless, the differenttests performed with this optimization strategy illustrate its potential and motivate further research.
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