Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39419015›Full record

ArticleMedical physics2025

Implementation and validation of a very-high-energy electron model in the matRad treatment planning system.

Mateusz Sitarz, Maria Grazia Ronga, Flavia Gesualdi, Anthony Bonfrate, Niklas Wahl, Ludovic De Marzi

Abstract readValidation Study
In one paragraph

Article in Medical physics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
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  3. Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Mateusz SitarzRadiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, France.
Maria Grazia RongaRadiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, France.
Flavia GesualdiRadiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, France.
Anthony BonfrateRadiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, France.
Niklas WahlDepartment of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center-DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.
Ludovic De MarziRadiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, France.

Funding

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 443188743
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWhile electron beams of up to 20 MeV are commonly used in radiotherapy, the use of very-high-energy electrons (VHEEs) in the range of 100-200 MeV is now becoming a realistic option thanks to the recent advancements in accelerator technology. Indeed, VHEE offers several clinically attractive features and can be delivered using various conformation methods (including scanning, collimation, and focussing) at ultra-high dose rates. To date, there is a lack of research tools for fast simulation of treatment plans using VHEE beams. PURPOSE: This work aims to implement and validate a simple and fast dose calculation algorithm based on the Fermi-Eyges theory of multiple Coulomb scattering for VHEE radiation therapy, with energies up to 200 MeV. A treatment planning system (TPS) toolkit with VHEE modality would indeed allow for further preclinical investigations, including treatment plan optimization and evaluation, and thus contribute to the gradual introduction of VHEE radiotherapy in clinical practice.

methodsA VHEE pencil beam scanning double Gaussian model was introduced into the open-source TPS matRad environment along with new functions and options dedicated to VHEE dose calculations. Various geometries and field configurations were then calculated in matRad (up to 200 MeV and 15 × 15 cm

resultsVHEE modality was fully implemented in matRad with GUI capabilities while preserving all original TPS features. New relevant options such as the importation of specific spot-lists or adjustment of the lateral dose calculation cutoff to optimize the calculation speed were validated. Single spot and square field dose distributions were validated in water alone as well as in clinically relevant inhomogeneities. Dose maps from the VHEE model in matRad were in good agreement with TOPAS (2D gamma index [2%/1 mm] with passing rates superior to 90%, <6% mean dose differences), except for large interface heterogeneities.

conclusionsThis work describes the implementation of a simple but efficient VHEE simulation model in matRad. A few configurations were studied in order to validate the model against accurate Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrating its usefulness for carrying out preliminary studies involving VHEE radiotherapy.

Indexed as

ElectronsRadiotherapy DosageRadiotherapy Planning, Computer-AssistedAlgorithmsHumansMonte Carlo Methodbeam modelMonte Carloradiotherapytreatment planning systemVHEE

Identifiers

PMID39419015
PMCPMC11699996

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.