Medical Physics of Proton Radiation Therapy

2-0-4 units · Graduate

Acceleration of protons for radiation therapy; introduction into advanced techniques such as laser acceleration and dielectric wall acceleration. Topics include the interactions of protons with the patient, Monte Carlo simulation, and dose calculation methods; biological aspects of proton therapy, relative biological effectiveness (RBE), and the role of contaminating neutrons; treatment planning and treatment optimization methods, and intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT); the effect of organ motion and its compensation by use of image-guided treatment techniques; general dosimetry and advanced in-vivo dosimetry methods, including PET/CT and prompt gamma measurements. Outlook into therapy with heavier ions. Includes practical demonstrations at the Proton Therapy Center of the Massachusetts General Hospital.