Clinical Implementation of a Proton Dose Verification System Utilizing a GPU Accelerated Monte Carlo Engine.
Chris Beltran1, H Wan Chan Tseung1, Kurt E Augustine2
1Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
International Journal of Particle Therapy
|November 28, 2019
Summary
A new clinical infrastructure enables routine Monte Carlo dose calculation verification for spot scanning proton therapy plans. This system aids normal tissue protection with a simple biological model, improving patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Proton therapy offers precise dose delivery.
- Accurate dose verification is crucial for treatment efficacy and safety.
- Spot scanning proton therapy requires advanced verification methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a clinical infrastructure for Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation verification of spot scanning proton therapy plans.
- To integrate a biological model for enhanced normal tissue protection.
- To streamline the dose verification workflow in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a GPU-accelerated MC dose engine for verification.
- Developed an infrastructure for seamless plan export/import via DICOM.
- Created a web-based interface for accessibility.
- Incorporated a biological model based on dose-weighted linear energy transfer (LET).
Main Results:
- Over 1000 plans were processed from multiple users within the first year.
- Average time for dose verification was under 15 minutes.
- Treatment plans were modified based on MC dose and biological dose calculations.
- 3D dose verification near heterogeneities led to plan adjustments.
Conclusions:
- MC dose calculation verification is clinically feasible for spot scanning proton therapy.
- The system provides actionable feedback for end-of-range effects, benefiting pediatric patients.
- Enhanced dose verification improves normal tissue sparing and treatment plan quality.
