Abstract: One or more new metrics are introduced into the treatment planning process. More specifically, a correcting factor/metric referred to herein as the critical/repair ratio index is introduced, and/or a correcting factor/metric referred to herein as the spatial periodicity of critical isodose value is introduced. By using these metrics, the expected sparing from the spatial distribution of dose is better accounted for in treatment modalities including spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) in general and SFRT with ultra-high dose rates in particular. According to a treatment planning strategy, the target can be covered by a Spread-Out Bragg Peak, to optimize and/or homogenize the dose distribution at the target level but still benefit from the sparing effect of SFRT at the healthy tissue level. Delivery techniques include a dynamic focusing technique and a magnetic beam steering technique. Enhancing dose rate enables maximizing the peak-to-valley dose distribution with SFRT despite patient motion.

Abstract: A computing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and memory coupled to the CPU and having stored therein instructions that, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing system to execute operations to generate a radiation treatment plan. The operations include accessing a minimum prescribed dose to be delivered into and across the target, determining a number of beams and directions of the beams, and determining a beam energy for each of the beams, wherein the number of beams, the directions of the beams, and the beam energy for each of the beams are determined such that the entire target receives the minimum prescribed dose. The operations further include prescribing a dose rate and optimizing dose rate constraints for FLASH therapy, and displaying a dose rate map of the FLASH therapy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for proton therapy planning that maximize the dose rate for different target sizes for FLASH therapy treatment are disclosed herein according to embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments, non-standard scanning patterns can be generated, for example, using a TPS optimizer, to maximize dose rate and the overall FLASH effect for specific volumes at risk. The novel scanning patterns can include scanning subfields of a field that are scanned independently or spiral-shaped patterns, for example. In general, spot locations and beam paths between spots are optimized to substantially achieve a desired dose rate in defined regions of the patient's body for FLASH therapy treatment.

Abstract: A computing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and memory coupled to the CPU and having stored therein instructions that, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing system to execute operations to generate a radiation treatment plan. The operations include accessing a minimum prescribed dose to be delivered into and across the target, determining a number of beams and directions of the beams, and determining a beam energy for each of the beams, wherein the number of beams, the directions of the beams, and the beam energy for each of the beams are determined such that the entire target receives the minimum prescribed dose. The operations further include prescribing a dose rate and optimizing dose rate constraints for FLASH therapy, and displaying a dose rate map of the FLASH therapy.

Abstract: For planning radiation treatment, candidate radiation treatment plans are evaluated and optimized using an objective function that includes a combination of a first objective function and a second objective function. The first objective function is configured for determining a value of a dose metric. The second objective function is configured for determining a value of a term that is added to the value of the dose metric to account for spots or beam lets that have a weight that is greater than zero and less than a minimum threshold value. The value of the term is added to the value of the dose metric. In effect, spots or beam lets with a weight that is not zero and that is also less than a minimum threshold value are penalized during treatment planning.

Abstract: A method of planning radiation treatment for a patient includes identifying a region of interest of the patient to be treated with radiation and determining a simulated treatment plan for the region of interest based on a statistical analysis between one or more metrics of the identified region of interest and a previously determined predictive dynamics database that includes information regarding the one or more metrics for corresponding regions of interest for a population of patients. The method further includes characterizing the simulated treatment plan with a FLASH Index that compares an ideal FLASH radiation treatment plan to the simulated treatment plan.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is configured for display on a computer display. The graphical user interface includes a dose rate slider configured to enable a user to select a range of radiation dose rates of a radiotherapy plan, and a display image configured to present an image. The dose rate slider may be selectable among less than a value of the dose rate slider, and more than a value of the dose rate slider.

Abstract: A computing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and memory coupled to the CPU and having stored therein instructions that, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing system to execute operations to generate a radiation treatment plan. The operations include accessing a minimum prescribed dose to be delivered into and across the target, determining a number of beams and directions of the beams, and determining a beam energy for each of the beams, wherein the number of beams, the directions of the beams, and the beam energy for each of the beams are determined such that the entire target receives the minimum prescribed dose. The operations further include prescribing a dose rate and optimizing dose rate constraints for FLASH therapy, and displaying a dose rate map of the FLASH therapy.

Abstract: Dose analysis radiotherapy systems and methods for determine delivered radiotherapy dose, dose rate, irradiation time and position information and planned radiotherapy dose, dose rate, irradiation time and position information. The dose analysis systems and methods further compare the as delivered dose, dose rate, irradiation time and position information to the planned dose, dose rate, irradiation time and position information to generate a graphical representation of one or more of the delivered dose, dose rate, irradiation time and position information versus planned dose, dose rate, irradiation time and position information.

Abstract: Information associated with a radiation treatment plan includes, for example, values of dose per voxel in a target volume, values of dose rate per voxel in the target volume, and values of parameters used when generating the values of dose per voxel and the values of dose rate per voxel. Renderings that include, for example, a rendering of an image of or including the target volume, and a rendering of selected values of the radiation treatment plan, are displayed. When a selection of a region of one of the renderings is received, a displayed characteristic of another one of the renderings is changed based on the selection.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient during radiation therapy is disclosed. The system includes a shell, a plurality of material inserts disposed in the shell, where each material insert of the plurality of material inserts respectively shapes a distribution of a dose delivered to the patient by a respective beam of a plurality of beams emitted from a nozzle of a radiation treatment system, and a scaffold component disposed in the shell that holds the plurality material inserts in place relative to the patient such that each material insert lies on a path of at least one of the beams.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient during radiation therapy is disclosed. The system includes a shell, a plurality of material inserts disposed in the shell, where each material insert of the plurality of material inserts respectively shapes a distribution of a dose delivered to the patient by a respective beam of a plurality of beams emitted from a nozzle of a radiation treatment system, and a scaffold component disposed in the shell that holds the plurality material inserts in place relative to the patient such that each material insert lies on a path of at least one of the beams.

Abstract: Information associated with a radiation treatment plan includes, for example, values of dose per voxel in a target volume, values of dose rate per voxel in the target volume, and values of parameters used when generating the values of dose per voxel and the values of dose rate per voxel. Renderings that include, for example, a rendering of an image of or including the target volume, and a rendering of selected values of the radiation treatment plan, are displayed. When a selection of a region of one of the renderings is received, a displayed characteristic of another one of the renderings is changed based on the selection.

Abstract: A computing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and memory coupled to the CPU and having stored therein instructions that, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing system to execute operations to generate a radiation treatment plan. The operations include accessing a minimum prescribed dose to be delivered into and across the target, determining a number of beams and directions of the beams, and determining a beam energy for each of the beams, wherein the number of beams, the directions of the beams, and the beam energy for each of the beams are determined such that the entire target receives the minimum prescribed dose. The operations further include prescribing a dose rate and optimizing dose rate constraints for FLASH therapy, and displaying a dose rate map of the FLASH therapy.

Abstract: The dose rate of voxels within a particle beam (e.g., proton beam) treatment field delivered using pencil beam scanning (PBS) is calculated, and a representative dose rate for the particle beam treatment field is reported. The calculations account for a dose accumulation in a local region or a sub-volume (e.g., a voxel) as a function of time.

Abstract: Information associated with a radiation treatment plan includes, for example, values of dose per voxel in a target volume, values of dose rate per voxel in the target volume, and values of parameters used when generating the values of dose per voxel and the values of dose rate per voxel. Renderings that include, for example, a rendering of an image of or including the target volume, and a rendering of selected values of the radiation treatment plan, are displayed. When a selection of a region of one of the renderings is received, a displayed characteristic of another one of the renderings is changed based on the selection.

Abstract: A method used for planning radiation treatment accessing information that includes calculated doses and calculated dose rates for sub-volumes in a treatment target, and also accessing information that includes values of a measure of the sub-volumes as a function of the calculated doses and the calculated dose rates. A graphical user interface includes a rendering that is based on the calculated doses, the calculated doses rates, and the values of the measure.

Abstract: The dose rate of voxels within a particle beam (e.g., proton beam) treatment field delivered using pencil beam scanning (PBS) is calculated, and a representative dose rate for the PBS treatment field is reported. The calculations account for dose accumulation in a local region or sub-volume (e.g., a voxel) as a function of time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for proton therapy planning that maximize the dose rate for different target sizes for FLASH therapy treatment are disclosed herein according to embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments, non-standard scanning patterns can be generated, for example, using a TPS optimizer, to maximize dose rate and the overall FLASH effect for specific volumes at risk. The novel scanning patterns can include scanning subfields of a field that are scanned independently or spiral-shaped patterns, for example. In general, spot locations and beam paths between spots are optimized to substantially achieve a desired dose rate in defined regions of the patient's body for FLASH therapy treatment.

Abstract: A computing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and memory coupled to the CPU and having stored therein instructions that, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing system to execute operations to generate a radiation treatment plan. The operations include accessing a minimum prescribed dose to be delivered into and across the target, determining a number of beams and directions of the beams, and determining a beam energy for each of the beams, wherein the number of beams, the directions of the beams, and the beam energy for each of the beams are determined such that the entire target receives the minimum prescribed dose. The operations further include prescribing a dose rate and optimizing dose rate constraints for FLASH therapy, and displaying a dose rate map of the FLASH therapy.