Validation of temporal optimization effects for a single fraction of radiation in vitro.

Purpose: To experimentally validate how temporal modification of the applied dose pattern within a single fraction of radiation therapy affects cell survival.

Method And Materials: Using the linear-quadratic model, we have previously demonstrated that the greatest difference in cell survival results from comparing a temporal dose pattern delivering the highest doses during the middle of a fraction and the lowest at the beginning and end ("Triangle") to one with the lowest doses at the middle and the highest at the beginning and end ("V-shaped"). Also, these differences would be greatest in situations with low alpha/beta and large dose/fraction and fraction length.