Accuracy in Carbon Ion Treatment Planning
Author Information
Author(s): Eike Rietzel, Dieter Schardt, Thomas Haberer
Primary Institution: Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung
Hypothesis
The precision in carbon ion radiotherapy depends on the calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) as measured with computed tomography (CT) to water equivalence.
Conclusion
Carbon ion ranges can be controlled within ~1 mm in soft tissue for typical depths of head and neck treatments.
Supporting Evidence
- The accuracy of the current Hounsfield look-up table for range calibration of soft tissues is 0.2 ± 1.2%.
- Accuracy in range calibration of 1% corresponds to ~1 mm carbon ion range control in 10 cm water equivalent depth.
- More than 300 patients have been treated at the facility since 1997.
Takeaway
This study shows that we can measure how far carbon ions travel in soft tissue very accurately, which helps doctors treat tumors better.
Methodology
Calibration data for several soft tissues were measured repeatedly using fresh animal tissues, which were CT scanned and then subjected to carbon ion radiographic measurements.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from sample selection and preparation.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on soft tissues and may not generalize to other tissue types.
Participant Demographics
Patients treated at the German carbon ion therapy facility, primarily in the head and neck region.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.2 ± 1.2%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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