The Proton Therapy Nozzles at Samsung Medical Center: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study using TOPAS

TL;DR

This study developed a detailed Monte Carlo simulation model of proton therapy nozzles at Samsung Medical Center using TOPAS, enabling improved commissioning, verification, and potential design optimization of the nozzles.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel, detailed Monte Carlo model of proton therapy nozzles integrated with a TPS interface, enhancing commissioning and design studies.

Findings

Simulated dosimetric properties matched measured data.

The model can estimate neutron background and support nozzle design optimization.

An interface with RayStation was successfully developed.

Abstract

To expedite the commissioning process of the proton therapy system at Samsung Medical Center (SMC), we have developed a Monte Carlo simulation model of the proton therapy nozzles using TOPAS. At SMC proton therapy center, we have two gantry rooms with different types of nozzles; a multi-purpose nozzle and a dedicated scanning nozzle. Each nozzle has been modeled in detail following the geometry information provided by the manufacturer, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. For this purpose, novel features of TOPAS, such as the time feature or the ridge filter class, have been used. And the appropriate physics models for proton nozzle simulation were defined. Dosimetric properties, like percent depth dose curve, spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP), beam spot size, have been simulated and verified against measured beam data. Beyond the Monte Carlo nozzle modeling, we have developed an interface between TOPAS and the treatment planning system (TPS), RayStation. An exported RT plan data from the TPS has been interpreted by the interface and then translated into the TOPAS input text. The developed Monte Carlo nozzle model can be used to estimate non-beam performance of the nozzles such as the neutron background. Furthermore, the nozzle model can be used to study mechanical optimization in the design of the nozzle.