How LEM-based RBE and dose-averaged LET affected clinical outcomes of sacral chordoma patients treated with carbon ion radiotherapy

A dosiomics approach to treatment outcome modeling in carbon ion radiotherapy for skull base chordomas

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of dosiomics features extracted from physical dose (DPHYS), RBE-weighted dose (DRBE) and dose-averaged Linear Energy Transfer (LETd), to predict the risk of local recurrence (LR) in skull base chordoma (SBC) treated with Carbon Ion Radiotherapy (CIRT). Thus, define and evaluate dosiomics-driven tumor control probability (TCP) models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

54 SBC patients were retrospectively selected for this study. A regularized Cox proportional hazard model (r-Cox) and Survival Support Vector Machine (s-SVM) were tuned within a repeated Cross Validation (CV) and patients were stratified in low/high risk of LR. Models' performance was evaluated through Harrell's concordance statistic (C-index), and survival was represented through Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves. A multivariable logistic regression was fit to the selected feature sets to generate a dosiomics-driven TCP model for each map. These were compared to a reference model built with clinical parameters in terms of f-score and accuracy.

RESULTS

The LETd maps reached a test C-index of 0.750 and 0.786 with r-Cox and s-SVM, and significantly separated KM curves. DPHYS maps and clinical parameters showed promising CV outcomes with C-index above 0.8, despite a poorer performance on the test set and patients stratification. The LETd-based TCP showed a significatively higher f-score (0.67[0.52-0.70], median[IQR]) compared to the clinical model (0.4[0.32-0.63], p < 0.025), while DPHYS achieved a significatively higher accuracy (DPHYS: 0.73[0.65-0.79], Clinical: 0.6 [0.52-0.72]).

CONCLUSION

This analysis supports the role of LETd as relevant source of prognostic factors for LR in SBC treated with CIRT. This is reflected in the TCP modeling, where LETd and DPHYS showed an improved performance with respect to clinical models.

Towards a European prospective data registry for particle therapy

The evidence for the value of particle therapy (PT) is still sparse. While randomized trials remain a cornerstone for robust comparisons with photon-based radiotherapy, data registries collecting real-world data can play a crucial role in building evidence for new developments. This Perspective describes how the European Particle Therapy Network (EPTN) is actively working on establishing a prospective data registry encompassing all patients undergoing PT in European centers. Several obstacles and hurdles are discussed, for instance harmonization of nomenclature and structure of technical and dosimetric data and data protection issues. A preferred approach is the adoption of a federated data registry model with transparent and agile governance to meet European requirements for data protection, transfer, and processing. Funding of the registry, especially for operation after the initial setup process, remains a major challenge.

The sensitivity of radiobiological models in carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and its consequences on the clinical treatment plan: Differences between LEM and MKM models

PURPOSE

Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) relies on relative biological effectiveness (RBE)-weighted dose calculations. Japanese clinics predominantly use the microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM), while European centers utilize the local effect model (LEM). Despite both models estimating RBE-distributions in tissue, their physical and mathematical assumptions differ, leading to significant disparities in RBE-weighted doses. Several European clinics adopted Japanese treatment schedules, necessitating adjustments in dose prescriptions and organ at risk (OAR) constraints. In the context of these two clinically used standards for RBE-weighted dose estimation, the objective of this study was to highlight specific scenarios for which the translations between models diverge, as shortcomings between them can influence clinical decisions.

METHODS

Our aim was to discuss planning strategies minimizing those discrepancies, ultimately striving for more accurate and robust treatments. Evaluations were conducted in a virtual water phantom and patient CT-geometry, optimizing LEM RBE-weighted dose first and recomputing MKM thereafter. Dose-averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) distributions were also assessed.

RESULTS

Results demonstrate how various parameters influence LEM/MKM translation. Similar LEM-dose distributions lead to markedly different MKM-dose distributions and variations in LETd. Generally, a homogeneous LEM RBE-weighted dose aligns with lower MKM values in most of the target volume. Nevertheless, paradoxical MKM hotspots may emerge (at the end of the range), potentially influencing clinical outcomes. Therefore, translation between models requires great caution.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the relationship between these two clinical standards enables combining European and Japanese based experiences. The implementation of optimal planning strategies ensures the safety and acceptability of the clinical plan for both models and therefore enhances plan robustness from the RBE-weighted dose and LETd distribution point of view. This study emphasizes the importance of optimal planning strategies and the need for comprehensive CIRT plan quality assessment tools. In situations where simultaneous LEM and MKM computation capabilities are lacking, it can provide guidance in plan design, ultimately contributing to enhanced CIRT outcomes.

Hypofractionated proton and carbon ion beam radiotherapy for sacrococcygeal chordoma (ISAC): An open label, randomized, stratified, phase II trial

INTRODUCTION

Sacrococcygeal chordomas have high recurrence rates and are challenging to treat.

METHODS

In this phase II prospective, randomized, stratified trial, the safety and feasibility of hypofractionated ion radiation therapy were investigated. The primary focus was monitored through the incidence of Grade 3-5 NCI-CTC-AE toxicity. Secondary endpoints included local progression-free (LPFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The study enrolled 82 patients with primary (87 %) and recurrent (13 %) inoperable or incompletely resected sacral chordomas from January 2013 to July 2022, divided equally into proton therapy (Arm A) and carbon ion beam therapy (Arm B) groups, each receiving a total dose of 64 Gy (RBE) in 16 fractions, 5-6 fractions per week. Overall 74 % of patients received no previous surgery and 66 % of tumors were confirmed by a brachyury staining. The mean and median Gross Tumor Volume at the time of treatment (GTV) was 407 ml and 185 ml, respectively. The median follow-up of the surviving patients was 44.7 months, and the 2-year and 4-year OS rates were 96 % and 81 %, respectively. Factors such as smaller GTV and younger age trended towards better OS. The LPFS after 2-year and 4-year was 84 % and 70 %, respectively. Male gender emerged as a significant predictor of LPFS. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups. We observed five grade 4 wound healing disorders (6 %).

CONCLUSION

The initial response rates were promising; however local control was not sustained. More comparative research on fractionation schemes is essential to refine treatment approaches for inoperable sacral chordoma.

Dose averaged linear energy transfer optimization for large sacral chordomas in carbon ion therapy

BACKGROUND

Carbon ion beams are well accepted as densely ionizing radiation with a high linear energy transfer (LET). However, the current clinical practice does not fully exploit the highest possible dose-averaged LET (LETd) and, consequently, the biological potential in the target. This aspect becomes worse in larger tumors for which inferior clinical outcomes and corresponding lower LETd was reported.

PURPOSE

The vicinity to critical organs in general and the inferior overall survival reported for larger sacral chordomas treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), makes the treatment of such tumors challenging. In this work it was aimed to increase the LETd in large volume tumors while maintaining the relative biological effectiveness (RBE)-weighted dose, utilizing the LETd optimization functions of a commercial treatment planning system (TPS).

METHODS

Ten reference sequential boost carbon ion treatment plans, designed to mimic clinical plans for large sacral chordoma tumors, were generated. High dose clinical target volumes (CTV-HD) larger than250 cm 3 $250 \,{\rm cm}^{3}$ were considered as large targets. The total RBE-weighted median dose prescription with the local effect model (LEM) wasD RBE , 50 % = 73.6 Gy $\textrm {D}_{\rm RBE, 50\%}=73.6 \,{\rm Gy}$ in 16 fractions (nine to low dose and seven to high dose planning target volume). No LETd optimization was performed in the reference plans, while LETd optimized plans used the minimum LETd (Lmin) optimization function in RayStation 2023B. Three different Lmin values were investigated and specified for the seven boost fractions:L min = 60 keV / μ m $\textrm {L}_{\rm min}=60 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ ,L min = 80 keV / μ m $\textrm {L}_{\rm min}=80 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ andL min = 100 keV / μ m $\textrm {L}_{\rm min}=100 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ . To compare the LETd optimized against reference plans, LETd and RBE-weighted dose based goals similar to and less strict than clinical ones were specified for the target. The goals for the organs at risk (OAR) remained unchanged. Robustness evaluation was studied for eight scenarios (± 3.5 % $\pm 3.5\%$ range uncertainty and± 3 mm $\pm 3 \,{\rm mm}$ setup uncertainty along the main three axes).

RESULTS

The optimization method withL min = 60 keV / μ m $\textrm {L}_{\rm min}=60 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ resulted in an optimal LETd distribution with an average increase ofLET d , 98 % ${\rm {LET}}_{{\rm {d,}}98\%}$ (andLET d , 50 % ${\rm {LET}}_{{\rm {d,}}50\%}$ ) in the CTV-HD by8.9 ± 1.5 keV / μ m $8.9\pm 1.5 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ (27 % $27\%$ ) (and6.9 ± 1.3 keV / μ m $6.9\pm 1.3 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ (17 % $17\%$ )), without significant difference in the RBE-weighted dose. By allowing± 5 % $\pm 5\%$ over- and under-dosage in the target, theLET d , 98 % ${\rm {LET}}_{{\rm {d,}}98\%}$ (andLET d , 50 % ${\rm {LET}}_{{\rm {d,}}50\%}$ ) can be increased by11.3 ± 1.2 keV / μ m $11.3\pm 1.2 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ (34 % $34\%$ ) (and11.7 ± 3.4 keV / μ m $11.7\pm 3.4 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ (29 % $29\%$ )), using the optimization parametersL min = 80 keV / μ m $\textrm {L}_{\rm min}=80 \,{\rm keV}/{\umu }{\rm m}$ . The pass rate for the OAR goals in the LETd optimized plans was in the same level as the reference plans. LETd optimization lead to less robust plans compared to reference plans.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to conventionally optimized treatment plans, the LETd in the target was increased while maintaining the RBE-weighted dose using TPS LETd optimization functionalities. Regularly assessing RBE-weighted dose robustness and acquiring more in-room images remain crucial and inevitable aspects during treatment.

Up modulation of dose-averaged linear energy transfer by simultaneous integrated boost in carbon-ion radiotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Local recurrence in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) after carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) may partly attribute to low dose-averaged linear energy transfer (LETd), despite high CIRT dose.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the approaches to up-modulate the CIRT LETd and to evaluate the corresponding oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) reduction.

METHODS

10 LAPCs that had been irradiated by CIRT with 67.5 Gy (RBE) in 15 fractions were selected. Their original plans were taken as the control plan for the LETd and OER investigations. Our considerations for up-modulating LETd were: (1) to deliver high doses to gross tumor volume core (GTVcore), while keeping dose constraints of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in tolerance; (2) to put more Bragg-peak (BP) within the modulated targets; (3) to increase the BP density, high doses were necessary; (4) CIRT LETd could be effectively increased to small volumes; and (5) simultaneous integrated boost technique (SIB) could achieve the aforementioned tasks. The LETd and the corresponding OER distributions of each type of SIB plan were evaluated.

RESULTS

We delivered up to 100 Gy (RBE) to GTVcore using SIB. The mean LETd of GTV increased significantly by 21.3% from 47.8 to 58.0 keV/μm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mean OER of GTVcore decreased by 6.6%, from 1.51 to 1.41 (p < 0.05). The GI LETdS in all modulated plans were not more than those in the original plans.

CONCLUSIONS

SIB could effectively increase CIRT LETd to LAPC, thus producing reduced OER, which may effectively overcome the radioresistance of LAPCs.

Sacral-Nerve-Sparing Planning Strategy in Pelvic Sarcomas/Chordomas Treated with Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy

To minimize radiation-induced lumbosacral neuropathy (RILSN), we employed sacral-nerve-sparing optimized carbon-ion therapy strategy (SNSo-CIRT) in treating 35 patients with pelvic sarcomas/chordomas. Plans were optimized using Local Effect Model-I (LEM-I), prescribed DRBE|LEM-I|D50% (median dose to HD-PTV) = 73.6 (70.4-76.8) Gy (RBE)/16 fractions. Sacral nerves were contoured between L5-S3 levels. DRBE|LEM-I to 5% of sacral nerves-to-spare (outside HD-CTV) (DRBE|LEM-I|D5%) were restricted to <69 Gy (RBE). The median follow-up was 25 months (range of 2-53). Three patients (9%) developed late RILSN (≥G3) after an average period of 8 months post-CIRT. The RILSN-free survival at 2 years was 91% (CI, 81-100). With SNSo-CIRT, DRBE|LEM-I|D5% for sacral nerves-to-spare = 66.9 ± 1.9 Gy (RBE), maintaining DRBE|LEM-I to 98% of HD-CTV (DRBE|LEM-I|D98%) = 70 ± 3.6 Gy (RBE). Two-year OS and LC were 100% and 93% (CI, 84-100), respectively. LETd and DRBE with modified-microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM) were recomputed retrospectively. DRBE|LEM-I and DRBE|mMKM were similar, but DRBE-filtered-LETd was higher in sacral nerves-to-spare in patients with RILSN than those without. At DRBE|LEM-I cutoff = 64 Gy (RBE), 2-year RILSN-free survival was 100% in patients with <12% of sacral nerves-to-spare voxels receiving LETd > 55 keV/µm than 75% (CI, 54-100) in those with ≥12% of voxels (p < 0.05). DRBE-filtered-LETd holds promise for the SNSo-CIRT strategy but requires longer follow-up for validation.

Diamond based integrated detection system for dosimetric and microdosimetric characterization of radiotherapy ion beams

BACKGROUND

Ion beam therapy allows for a substantial sparing of normal tissues and higher biological efficacy. Synthetic single crystal diamond is a very good material to produce high-spatial-resolution and highly radiation hard detectors for both dosimetry and microdosimetry in ion beam therapy.

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is the design, fabrication and test of an integrated waterproof detector based on synthetic single crystal diamond able to simultaneously perform dosimetric and microdosimetric characterization of clinical ion beams.

METHODS

The active elements of the integrated diamond device, that is, dosimeter and microdosimeter, were both realized in a Schottky diode configuration featured by different area, thickness, and shape by means of photolithography technologies for the selective growth of intrinsic and boron-doped CVD diamond. The cross-section of the sensitive volume of the dosimetric element is 4 mm2 and 1 μm-thick, while the microdosimetric one has an active cross-sectional area of 100 × 100 μm2 and a thickness of about 6.2 μm. The dosimetric and microdosimetric performance of the developed device was assessed at different depths in a water phantom at the MedAustron ion beam therapy facility using a monoenergetic uniformly scanned carbon ion beam of 284.7 MeV/u and proton beam of 148.7 MeV. The particle flux in the region of the microdosimeter was 6·107  cm2 /s for both irradiation fields. At each depth, dose and dose distributions in lineal energy were measured simultaneously and the dose mean lineal energy values were then calculated. Monte Carlo simulations were also carried out by using the GATE-Geant4 code to evaluate the relative dose, dose averaged linear energy transfer (LETd ), and microdosimetric spectra at various depths in water for the radiation fields used, by considering the contribution from the secondary particles generated in the ion interaction processes as well.

RESULTS

Dosimetric and microdosimetric quantities were measured by the developed prototype with relatively low noise (∼2 keV/μm). A good agreement between the measured and simulated dose profiles was found, with discrepancies in the peak to plateau ratio of about 3% and 4% for proton and carbon ion beams respectively, showing a negligible LET dependence of the dosimetric element of the device. The microdosimetric spectra were validated with Monte Carlo simulations and a good agreement between the spectra shapes and positions was found. Dose mean lineal energy values were found to be in close agreement with those reported in the literature for clinical ion beams, showing a sharp increase along the Bragg curve, being also consistent with the calculated LETd for all depths within the experimental error of 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental indicate that the proposed device can allow enhanced dosimetry in particle therapy centers, where the absorbed dose measurement is implemented by the microdosimetric characterization of the radiation field, thus providing complementary results. In addition, the proposed device allows for the reduction of the experimental uncertainties associated with detector positioning and could facilitate the partial overcoming of some drawbacks related to the low sensitivity of diamond microdosimeters to low LET radiation.

Investigation on the physical dose filtered by linear energy transfer for treatment plan evaluation in carbon ion therapy

BACKGROUND

Large tumor size has been reported as a predicting factor for inferior clinical outcome in carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT). Besides the clinical factors accompanied with such tumors, larger tumors receive typically more low linear energy transfer (LET) contributions than small ones which may be the underlying physical cause. Although dose averaged LET is often used as a single parameter descriptor to quantify the beam quality, there is no evidence that this parameter is the optimal clinical predictor for the complex mixed radiation fields in CIRT.

PURPOSE

Purpose of this study was to investigate on a novel dosimetric quantity, namely high-LET-dose (D > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ , the physical dose filtered based on an LET threshold) as a single parameter estimator to differentiate between carbon ion treatment plans (cTP) with a small and large tumor volume.

METHODS

Ten cTPs with a planning target volume,PTV ≥ 500 cm 3 $\mathrm{PTV}\ge {500}\,{{\rm cm}^{3}}$ (large) and nine with aPTV < 500 cm 3 $\mathrm{PTV}<{500}\,{{\rm cm}^{3}}$ (small) were selected for this study. To find a reasonable LET threshold (L thr $\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}$ ) that results in a significant difference in terms ofD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ , the voxel based normalized high-LET-dose (D ̂ > L thr $\hat{\textrm {D}}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ ) distribution in the clinical target volume (CTV) was studied on a subset (12 out of 19 cTPs) for 18 LET thresholds, using standard distribution descriptors (mean, variance and skewness). The classical dose volume histogram concept was used to evaluate theD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ andD ̂ > L thr $\hat{\textrm {D}}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ distributions within the target of all 19 cTPs at the before determinedL thr $\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}$ . Statistical significance of the difference between the two groups in terms of meanD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ andD ̂ > L thr $\hat{\textrm {D}}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ volume histogram parameters was evaluated by means of (two-sided) t-test or Mann-Whitney-U-test. In addition, the minimum target coverage at the above determinedL thr $\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}$ was compared and validated against three other thresholds to verify its potential in differentiation between small and large volume tumors.

RESULTS

AnL thr $\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}$ of approximately30 keV / μ m ${30}\,{\rm keV/}\umu {\rm m}$ was found to be a reasonable threshold to classify the two groups. At this threshold, theD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ andD ̂ > L thr $\hat{\textrm {D}}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ were significantly larger (p < 0.05 $p<0.05$ ) in small CTVs. For the small tumor group, the near-minimum and medianD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ (andD ̂ > L thr $\hat{\textrm {D}}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ ) in the CTV were in average9.3 ± 1.5 Gy $9.3\pm {1.5}\,{\rm Gy}$ (0.31 ± 0.08) and13.6 ± 1.6 Gy $13.6\pm {1.6}\,{\rm Gy}$ (0.46 ± 0.06), respectively. For the large tumors, these parameters were6.6 ± 0.2 Gy $6.6\pm {0.2}\,{\rm Gy}$ (0.20 ± 0.01) and8.6 ± 0.4 Gy $8.6\pm {0.4}\,{\rm Gy}$ (0.28 ± 0.02). The difference between the two groups in terms of mean near-minimum and medianD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ (D ̂ > L thr $\hat{\textrm {D}}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ ) was 2.7 Gy (11%) and 5.0 Gy (18%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The feasibility of high-LET-dose based evaluation was shown in this study where a lowerD > L thr $\textrm {D}_{>\textrm {L}_{\textrm {thr}}}$ was found in cTPs with a large tumor size. Further investigation is needed to draw clinical conclusions. The proposed methodology in this work can be utilized for future high-LET-dose based studies.

The Role of Carbon Ion Therapy in the Changing Oncology Landscape-A Narrative Review of the Literature and the Decade of Carbon Ion Experience at the Italian National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy

BACKGROUND

Currently, 13 Asian and European facilities deliver carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for preclinical and clinical activity, and, to date, 55 clinical studies including CIRT for adult and paediatric solid neoplasms have been registered. The National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) is the only Italian facility able to accelerate both protons and carbon ions for oncological treatment and research.

METHODS

To summarise and critically evaluate state-of-the-art knowledge on the application of carbon ion radiotherapy in oncological settings, the authors conducted a literature search till December 2022 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The results of 68 studies are reported using a narrative approach, highlighting CNAO's clinical activity over the last 10 years of CIRT.

RESULTS

The ballistic and radiobiological hallmarks of CIRT make it an effective option in several rare, radioresistant, and difficult-to-treat tumours. CNAO has made a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge on CIRT delivery in selected tumour types.

CONCLUSIONS

After an initial ramp-up period, CNAO has progressively honed its clinical, technical, and dosimetric skills. Growing engagement with national and international networks and research groups for complex cancers has led to increasingly targeted patient selection for CIRT and lowered barriers to facility access.

Planning Strategy to Optimize the Dose-Averaged LET Distribution in Large Pelvic Sarcomas/Chordomas Treated with Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy

To improve outcomes in large sarcomas/chordomas treated with CIRT, there has been recent interest in LET optimization. We evaluated 22 pelvic sarcoma/chordoma patients treated with CIRT [large: HD-CTV ≥ 250 cm3 (n = 9), small: HD-CTV < 250 cm3 (n = 13)], DRBE|LEM-I = 73.6 (70.4-73.6) Gy (RBE)/16 fractions, using the local effect model-I (LEM-I) optimization and modified-microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM) recomputation. We observed that to improve high-LETd distribution in large tumors, at least 27 cm3 (low-LETd region) of HD-CTV should receive LETd of ≥33 keV/µm (p < 0.05). Hence, LETd optimization using 'distal patching' was explored in a treatment planning setting (not implemented clinically yet). Distal-patching structures were created to stop beams 1-2 cm beyond the HD-PTV-midplane. These plans were reoptimized and DRBE|LEM-I, DRBE|mMKM, and LETd were recomputed. Distal patching increased (a) LETd50% in HD-CTV (from 38 ± 3.4 keV/µm to 47 ± 8.1 keV/µm), (b) LETdmin in low-LETd regions of the HD-CTV (from 32 ± 2.3 keV/µm to 36.2 ± 3.6 keV/µm), (c) the GTV fraction receiving LETd of ≥50 keV/µm, (from <10% to >50%) and (d) the high-LETd component in the central region of the GTV, without significant compromise in DRBE distribution. However, distal patching is sensitive to setup/range uncertainties, and efforts to ascertain robustness are underway, before routine clinical implementation.

Carbon Ions for Hypoxic Tumors: Are We Making the Most of Them?

Hypoxia, which is associated with abnormal vessel growth, is a characteristic feature of many solid tumors that increases their metastatic potential and resistance to radiotherapy. Carbon-ion radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with other treatments, is one of the most promising treatments for hypoxic tumors because the oxygen enhancement ratio decreases with increasing particle LET. Nevertheless, current clinical practice does not yet fully benefit from the use of carbon ions to tackle hypoxia. Here, we provide an overview of the existing experimental and clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of C-ion radiotherapy in overcoming hypoxia-induced radioresistance, followed by a discussion of the strategies proposed to enhance it, including different approaches to maximize LET in the tumors.

State-of-the-art and potential of experimental microdosimetry in ion-beam therapy

In radiotherapy, radiation-quality should be an expression of the biological and physical characteristics of ionizing radiation such as spatial distribution of ionization or energy deposition. Linear energy transfer (LET) and lineal energy (y) are two descriptors used to quantify the radiation quality. These two quantities are connected and exhibit similar features. In ion-beam therapy (IBT), lineal energy can be measured with microdosimeters, which are specifically designed to cope with the high fluence of particles in clinical beams, while the quantification of LET is generally based on calculations. In pre-clinical studies, microdosimetric spectra are used for the indirect determination of relative biological effectiveness (RBE), e.g., using the microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM) or biophysical response functions. In this context it is important to consider saturation effects, which occur when the highest values of y become less biologically relevant compared to the relative contribution they make to the physical dose. Recent clinical data suggests that local tumor control and normal tissue effects can be linked to macroscopic and microscopic dosimetry parameters. In particular, positive clinical outcomes have been correlated to the highest LET values in the density distribution, and there is no evident link to the saturation discussed above. A systematic collection of microdosimetric information in combination with clinical data in retrospective studies may clarify the role of radiation quality at the highest LET. In the clinical setting, microdosimetry is not widely used yet, despite its potential to be linked with LET by experimentally-determined y values. Through this connection, both play an important role in complex therapy techniques such as intensity modulated particle therapy (IMPT), LET-painting and multi-ion optimization. This review summarizes the current state of microdosimetry for IBT and its potential, as well as research and development needed to make experimental microdosimetry a mature procedure in a clinical context.

Technical note: In silico benchmarking of the linear energy transfer-based functionalities for carbon ion beams in a commercial treatment planning system

BACKGROUND

The increasing number of studies dealing with linear energy transfer (LET)-based evaluation and optimization in the field of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) indicates the rising demand for LET implementation in commercial treatment planning systems (TPS). Benchmarking studies could play a key role in detecting (and thus preventing) computation errors prior implementing such functionalities in a TPS.

PURPOSE

This in silico study was conducted to benchmark the following two LET-related functionalities in a commercial TPS against Monte Carlo simulations: (1) dose averaged LET (LET_d ) scoring and (2) physical dose filtration based on LET for future LET-based treatment plan evaluation and optimization studies.

METHODS

The LET_d scoring and LET-based dose filtering (in which the deposited dose can be separated into the dose below and above the user specified LET threshold) functionalities for carbon ions in the research version RayStation (RS) 9A-IonPG TPS (RaySearch Laboratories, Sweden) were benchmarked against GATE/Geant4 simulations. Pristine Bragg peaks (BPs) and cuboid targets, positioned at different depths in a homogeneous water phantom and a setup with heterogeneity were used for this study.

RESULTS

For all setups (homogeneous and heterogeneous), the mean absolute (and relative) LET_d difference was less than 1 keV/ μ $\umu$ m (3.5%) in the plateau and target and less than 2 keV/ μ $\umu$ m (8.3%) in the fragmentation tail. The maximum local differences were 4 and 6 keV/ μ $\umu$ m, respectively. The mean absolute (and relative) physical dose differences for both low- and high-LET doses were less than 1 cGy (1.5%) in the plateau, target and tail with a maximum absolute difference of 2 cGy.

CONCLUSIONS

No computation error was found in the tested functionalities except for LET_d in lateral direction outside the target, showing the limitation of the implemented monochrome model in the tested TPS version.

A Dosiomics Analysis Based on Linear Energy Transfer and Biological Dose Maps to Predict Local Recurrence in Sacral Chordomas after Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy

Carbon Ion Radiotherapy (CIRT) is one of the most promising therapeutic options to reduce Local Recurrence (LR) in Sacral Chordomas (SC). The aim of this work is to compare the performances of survival models fed with dosiomics features and conventional DVH metrics extracted from relative biological effectiveness (RBE)-weighted dose (D_RBE) and dose-averaged Linear Energy Transfer (LET_d) maps, towards the identification of possible prognostic factors for LR in SC patients treated with CIRT. This retrospective study included 50 patients affected by SC with a focus on patients that presented a relapse in a high-dose region. Survival models were built to predict both LR and High-Dose Local Recurrencies (HD-LR). The models were evaluated through Harrell Concordance Index (C-index) and patients were stratified into high/low-risk groups. Local Recurrence-free Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated and evaluated through log-rank tests. The model with highest performance (median(interquartile-range) C-index of 0.86 (0.22)) was built on features extracted from LET_d maps, with D_RBE models showing promising but weaker results (C-index of 0.83 (0.21), 0.80 (0.21)). Although the study should be extended to a wider patient population, LET_d maps show potential as a prognostic factor for SC HD-LR in CIRT, and dosiomics appears to be the most promising approach against more conventional methods (e.g., DVH-based).

Calculating dose-averaged linear energy transfer in an analytical treatment planning system for carbon-ion radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Compelling evidence shows the association between the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and the dose averaged linear energy transfer (LETd). However, the ability to calculate the LETd in commercially available treatment planning systems (TPS) is lacking.

PURPOSE

This study aims to develop a method of calculating the LETd of CIRT plans that could be robustly carried out in RayStation (V10B, Raysearch, Sweden).

METHODS

The calculation used the fragment spectra in RayStation for the CIRT treatment planning. The dose-weighted averaging procedure was supported by the microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM). The MKM-based pencil beam dose engine (PBA, v4.2) for calculating RBE-weighted doses was reformulated to become a LET-weighted calculating engine. A separate module was then configured to inversely calculate the LETd from the absorbed dose of a plan and the associated fragment spectra. In this study, the ion and energy-specific LET table in the LETd module was further matched with the values decoded from the baseline data of the Syngo TPS (V13C, Siemens, Germany). The LETd distributions of several monoenergetic and modulated beams were calculated and validated against the values derived from the Syngo TPS and the published data.

RESULTS

The differences in LETds of the monoenergetic beams between the new method and the traditional method were within 3% in the entrance and Bragg-peak regions. However, a larger difference was observed in the distal region. The results of the modulated beams were in good agreement with the works from the published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The method presented herein reformulates the MKM dose engine in the RayStation TPS to inversely calculate LETds. The robustness and accuracy were demonstrated.

Spot-scanning hadron arc (SHArc) therapy: A proof of concept using single and multi-ion strategies with helium, carbon, oxygen and neon ions

PURPOSE

To present particle arc therapy treatments using single and multi-ion therapy optimization strategies with helium (⁴ He), carbon (¹² C), oxygen (¹⁶ O) and neon (²⁰ Ne) ion beams.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An optimization procedure and workflow were devised for spot-scanning hadron arc therapy (SHArc) treatment planning in the PRECISE (PaRticle thErapy using single and Combined Ion optimization StratEgies) treatment planning system (TPS). Physical and biological beam models were developed for helium, carbon, oxygen and neon ions via FLUKA MC simulation. SHArc treatments were optimized using both single ion (¹² C, ¹⁶ O, or ²⁰ Ne) and multi-ion therapy (¹⁶ O+⁴ He or ²⁰ Ne+⁴ He) applying variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) modeling using a modified microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM) with (α/β)_x values of 2Gy, 5Gy and 3.1Gy respectively, for glioblastoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and prostate adenocarcinoma patient cases. Dose, effective dose, linear energy transfer (LET) and RBE were computed with the GPU-accelerated dose engine FRoG and dosimetric/biophysical attributes were evaluated in the context of conventional particle and photon-based therapies (e.g., volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT]).

RESULTS

All SHArc plans met the target optimization goals (3GyRBE) and demonstrated increased target conformity and substantially lower low-dose bath to surrounding normal tissues than VMAT. SHArc plans using a single ion species (¹² C, ¹⁶ O, or ²⁰ Ne) exhibited favorable LET distributions with the highest-LET components centralized in the target volume, with values ranging from ∼80-170keV/μm, ∼130-220keV/μm and ∼180-350keV/μm, for ¹² C, ¹⁶ O, or ²⁰ Ne, respectively, exceeding mean target LET of conventional particle therapy (¹² C:∼60, ¹⁶ O:∼78 ²⁰ Ne:∼100 keV/μm). Multi-ion therapy with SHArc delivery (SHArc_MIT ) provided a similar level of target LET enhancement as SHArc compared to conventional planning, however, with additional benefits of homogenous physical dose and RBE distributions.

CONCLUSION

Here, we demonstrate that arc delivery of light and heavy ion beams, using either a single ion species (¹² C, ¹⁶ O, or ²⁰ Ne) or combining two ions in a single fraction (¹⁶ O+⁴ He or ²⁰ Ne+⁴ He), affords enhanced physical and biological distributions (e.g., LET) compared with conventional delivery with photons or particle beams. SHArc marks the first single and multi-ion arc therapy treatment optimization approach using light and heavy ions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Hadron Therapy Achievements and Challenges: The CNAO Experience

Protons and carbon ions (hadrons) have useful properties for the treatments of patients affected by oncological pathologies. They are more precise than conventional X-rays and possess radiobiological characteristics suited for treating radio-resistant or inoperable tumours. This paper gives an overview of the status of hadron therapy around the world. It focusses on the Italian National Centre for Oncological Hadron therapy (CNAO), introducing operation procedures, system performance, expansion projects, methodologies and modelling to build individualized treatments. There is growing evidence that supports safety and effectiveness of hadron therapy for a variety of clinical situations. However, there is still a lack of high-level evidence directly comparing hadron therapy with modern conventional radiotherapy techniques. The results give an overview of pre-clinical and clinical research studies and of the treatments of 3700 patients performed at CNAO. The success and development of hadron therapy is strongly associated with the creation of networks among hadron therapy facilities, clinics, universities and research institutions. These networks guarantee the growth of cultural knowledge on hadron therapy, favour the efficient recruitment of patients and present available competences for R&D (Research and Development) programmes.

In Silico Feasibility Study of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy With Simultaneous Integrated Boost for Head and Neck Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Purpose

In carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) approach has not been fully exploited so far. The feasibility of a CIRT-SIB strategy for head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patients was investigated in order to improve treatment planning dose distributions.

Methods and Materials

CIRT plans of 10 ACC patients treated at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO, Pavia, Italy) with sequential boost (SEQ) irradiation and prescription doses of 41.0 Gy [relative biological effectiveness (RBE)]/10 fractions to low-risk (LR) clinical target volume (CTV) plus 24.6 Gy(RBE)/6 fractions to the high-risk (HR) CTV were re-planned with two SIB dose levels to the LR-CTV, namely, 48.0 Gy(RBE) and 54.4 Gy(RBE). While planning with SIB, the HR-CTV coverage had higher priority, with fixed organ-at-risk dose constraints among the SIB and SEQ plans. The homogeneity and conformity indexes were selected for CTV coverage comparison. The biologically effective dose (BED) was calculated to compare the different fractionation schemes.

Results

Comparable HR-CTV coverage was achieved with the treatment approaches, while superior conformality and homogeneity were obtained with the SIB technique in both CTVs. With the SEQ, SIB_48.0, and SIB_54.4, the LR-CTV median doses were respectively 50.3%, 11.9%, and 6.0% higher than the prescriptions. Significant reductions of the median and near-maximum BEDs were achieved with both SIB dose levels in the LR-CTV.

Conclusions

The SIB approach resulted in highly conformal dose distributions with the reduction of the unintended dose to the LR-CTV. A prescription dose range for the LR-CTV will be clinically defined to offer tailored personalized treatments, according to the clinical and imaging characteristics of the patients.