Prompt Pain Relief From Bone Metastases: The Virtual Simulation Program.

Purpose: Rapid pain relief for patients with bone metastases can be a challenge due to the lengthy and complex radiation therapy workflow. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time (in days) between initial radiation oncology consultation and start of palliative radiation treatment after implementing an alternative virtual simulation palliative workflow.

Methods And Materials: Patients meeting strict criteria were selected for virtual simulation, which included only those with painful bone metastases who were recommended palliative radiation therapy using standard anterior-posterior/posterior-anterior or opposed lateral fields.

Image guidance based on prostate position for prostate cancer proton therapy.

Purpose: To determine the target coverage for proton therapy with and without image guidance and daily prebeam reorientation.

Methods And Materials: A total of 207 prostate positions were analyzed for 9 prostate cancer patients treated using our low-risk prostate proton therapy protocol (University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute 001). The planning target volume was defined as the prostate plus a 5-mm axial and 8-mm superoinferior extension.

Proton therapy coverage for prostate cancer treatment.

Purpose: To determine the impact of prostate motion on dose coverage in proton therapy.

Methods And Materials: A total of 120 prostate positions were analyzed on 10 treatment plans for 10 prostate patients treated using our low-risk proton therapy prostate protocol (University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute 001). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging T(2)-weighted turbo spin-echo scans were registered for all cases.

Rectal dose-volume differences using proton radiotherapy and a rectal balloon or water alone for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Purpose: To describe dose-volume values with the use of water alone vs. a rectal balloon (RB) for the treatment of prostate cancer with proton therapy.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed 30 proton plans for 15 patients who underwent CT and MRI scans with an RB or water alone.

Dose-volume comparison of proton therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose: The contrast in dose distribution between proton radiotherapy (RT) and intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) is unclear, particularly in regard to critical structures such as the rectum and bladder.

Methods And Materials: Between August and November 2006, the first 10 consecutive patients treated in our Phase II low-risk prostate proton protocol (University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute protocol 0001) were reviewed. The double-scatter proton beam plans used in treatment were analyzed for various dosimetric endpoints.