Improving Outcomes by Optimally Exploiting Physical and Biological Characteristics of Protons

在这个项目中，我们将探索高度创新的规划和交付战略，以最佳地利用 IMPT强大的剂量成形能力。质子治疗相对于光子治疗的理论优势 治疗是由于减少的积分剂量（“剂量浴”）和有限的范围。IMPT的附加潜力 与IMRT相比，从额外的自由度，即小射束能量导出。但要 为了实现IMPT的真正潜力，还需要进行大量的进一步研究。该项目的具体目标 关注影响IMPT功效的不同方面：剂量分布的稳健优化， 降低其对不确定性的敏感性，生物剂量优化，个性化治疗优化， 最后，通过IMPT可实现的减少剂量浴促进低分次。这个项目 支持NCI的使命，改善癌症患者的治疗和持续护理。

In this project we will explore highly innovative planning and delivery strategies to optimally utilize the powerful dose shaping capabilities of IMPT. The theoretical advantage of proton therapy compared to photon therapy is due to the reduced integral dose ("dose bath") and the finite range. The added potential of IMPT compared to IMRT derives from the additional degree of freedom, i.e. the beamlet energy. However, to realize the true potential of IMPT, considerable further research is needed. The specific aims of this project focus on different aspects that influence the power of IMPT: Robust optimization of the dose distributions to reduce their sensitivity to uncertainties, biological dose optimization, personalized treatment optimization, and finally, hypofractionation facilitated via the reduced dose bath achievable with IMPT. This project supports the mission of the NCI to improve the treatment and continuing care of cancer patients.