The impact of proton LET/RBE modeling and robustness analysis on base-of-skull and pediatric craniopharyngioma proton plans relative to VMAT.

Conclusion: For base-of-skull and pediatric craniopharyngioma cases, both physical and biological robustness analyses should be considered for IMPT: these analyses can substantially affect the sparing of OARs and comparisons against VMAT. All proton RBE modeling is subject to high levels of uncertainty, but the clinical community should remain cognizant possible RBE effects. Careful clinical and imaging follow-up, plus further research on end-of-range RBE mitigation strategies such as LET optimization, should be prioritized for these cohorts of proton patients.
PMID: 31429359 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Acta Oncologica - August 19, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Gutierrez A, Rompokos V, Li K, Gillies C, D'Souza D, Solda F, Fersht N, Chang YC, Royle G, Amos RA, Underwood T Tags: Acta Oncol Source Type: research