目的:质子微型束放射疗法(pMBRT)是一种新的放射疗法,与常规质子疗法相比,具有神经胶质瘤的大鼠的治疗窗口显着增加。由于所使用的亚毫米子束尺寸,pMBRT的剂量测定是具有挑战性的并且容易出错。这项研究的目的是对当前临床前试验中使用的设置参数进行稳健性分析,并为可重复的剂量测定提供指导。这项工作的结果旨在指导即将在全球范围内实施pMBRT,以及为未来的临床实施铺平道路。
方法:使用蒙特卡罗模拟和实验数据来评估设置参数的变化和准直器规格的不确定性对横向pMBRT剂量分布的影响。单独修改每个参数的值以评估它们对剂量分布的影响。实验剂量测定是通过高分辨率探测器进行的,也就是说,辐射变色胶片,IBA剃刀和微金刚石探测器。提出了新的指南来优化pMBRT研究中的实验设置并执行可重复的剂量测定。
结果:量化了剂量分布对设置参数的不确定性和变化的敏感性。定义pMBRT横向轮廓的数量(即,峰谷剂量比[PVDR],峰谷剂量,和峰宽)受到其中几个参数的小规模波动的显着影响。优化了在Orsay质子治疗中心实施的pMBRT辐照的设置,以增加PVDR和峰对称性。此外,我们提出了在临床前研究中进行准确且可重复的剂量测定的指南.
结论:这项研究揭示了采用针对pMBRT中不同剂量给药方法和剂量分布的指南和方案的重要性。这种新方法导致可重复的剂量测定,这在临床前试验中是必不可少的。本手稿中提供的结果和指南可以简化其他中心pMBRT调查的启动。
OBJECTIVE: Proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is a new radiotherapy approach that has shown a significant increase in the therapeutic window in glioma-bearing rats compared to conventional proton therapy. The dosimetry of pMBRT is challenging and error prone due to the submillimetric beamlet sizes used. The aim of this study was to perform a robustness analysis on the setup parameters utilized in current preclinical trials and provide
guidelines for reproducible dosimetry. The results of this work are intended to guide upcoming implementations of pMBRT worldwide, as well as pave the way for future clinical implementations.
METHODS: Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data were used to evaluate the impact of variations in setup parameters and uncertainties in collimator specifications on lateral pMBRT dose distributions. The value of each parameter was modified individually to evaluate their effect on dose distributions. Experimental dosimetry was performed by means of high-resolution detectors, that is, radiochromic films, the IBA Razor and the Microdiamond detector. New
guidelines were proposed to optimize the experimental setup in pMBRT studies and perform reproducible dosimetry.
RESULTS: The sensitivity of dose distributions to uncertainties and variations in setup parameters was quantified. Quantities that define pMBRT lateral profiles (i.e., the peak-to-valley dose ratio [PVDR], peak and valley doses, and peak width) are significantly influenced by small-scale fluctuations in several of those parameters. The setup implemented at the Orsay proton therapy center for pMBRT irradiation was optimized to increase PVDRs and peak symmetry. In addition, we proposed
guidelines to perform accurate and reproducible dosimetry in preclinical studies.
CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the importance of adopting
guidelines and protocols tailored to the distinct dose delivery method and dose distributions in pMBRT. This new methodology leads to reproducible dosimetry, which is imperative in preclinical trials. The results and
guidelines presented in this manuscript can ease the initiation of pMBRT investigations in other centers.