The FLUKA Monte Carlo code coupled with an OER model for biologically weighted dose calculations in proton therapy of hypoxic tumors

Cells with partial oxygen pressure (pO2) lower than 8 –10 mmHg are generally termed hypoxic [1] and are more radioresistant than cells with normal oxygen levels (pO2 up to around 100 mmHg [1]). This effect may be quantified by the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER), which is the ratio of the dose at a given oxygen pressure to that at a normal oxygen pr essure producing the same biological effect. The OER is comparable for photons and protons, but decreases at low proton energies where the linear energy transfer (LET) is higher [2].

Source: Physica Medica: European Journal of Medical Physics - July 15, 2020 Category: General Medicine Authors: Tordis Johnsen Dahle, Espen Rusten, Camilla Hanquist Stokkev åg, Antti Silvoniemi, Andrea Mairani, Lars Fredrik Fjæra, Eivind Rørvik, Helge Henjum, Pauliina Wright, Camilla Grindeland Boer, Sarita Forsback, Heikki Minn, Eirik Malinen, Kristian Smeland Tags: Original paper Source Type: research