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

Radiol Phys Technol. 2010 Jan;3(1):16-22. doi: 10.1007/s12194-009-0071-4. Epub 2009 Sep 19.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Protons