Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
08:34
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
Modelling the throughput capacity of a single-accelerator multitreatment room proton therapy centre
A H Aitkenhead1, D Bugg, C G Rowbottom
1Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. adam.aitkenhead@christie.nhs.uk
The British Journal of Radiology
|November 24, 2012
Summary
This study presents a model to estimate proton therapy center capacity, predicting patient throughput and waiting times. The model aids in optimizing proton therapy facility operations and planning for new centers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Health Systems Engineering
Background:
- Proton therapy centers require efficient operational models to maximize patient throughput and minimize wait times.
- Accurate capacity assessment is crucial for planning and resource allocation in high-demand cancer treatment facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a model for evaluating the throughput capacity of single-accelerator, multi-treatment room proton therapy centers.
- To provide quantitative estimates of throughput, waiting times, and system sensitivity to physical parameters.
- To inform the design and operational strategies of current and future proton therapy facilities.
Main Methods:
- A Monte Carlo simulation approach was employed to model proton therapy center operations.
- Key performance indicators such as throughput capacity, patient fraction times, and beam waiting times were computed.
- A method for quantifying system saturation levels was developed and demonstrated.
Main Results:
- Modelled throughput (140 ± 4 fractions/day) showed good agreement with reported data from a leading cancer center (133 ± 35 fractions/day).
- Sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of beam switch time, number of treatment rooms, and patient setup times on capacity.
- A UK-centric scenario indicated a potential 19% throughput reduction for a similar facility with a more complex caseload, yet still capable of over 100 fractions/day.
Conclusions:
- The developed model serves as a valuable tool for understanding proton therapy facility operational dynamics.
- It facilitates the investigation of operational scenarios for prospective proton therapy centers.
- The model assists in identifying technical specifications critical for future system improvements.
