Smartphone-based augmented reality patient education in radiation oncology.

We built an augmented reality (AR) patient education application for portable iOS and Android devices that allows patients to view a virtual simulation of themselves receiving radiation treatment. We created software that reads data from the clinical treatment planning system and renders the patient's actual radiotherapy plan in AR on a tablet or smartphone. The patient's CT simulation data are converted into a 3D translucent virtual human shown being treated with visible radiation beams from a virtual linear accelerator.

Conformal proton therapy for early-stage prostate cancer.

Objectives: To assess the effect of proton radiation on clinical and biochemical outcomes for early prostate cancer.

Methods: Three hundred nineteen patients with T1-T2b prostate cancer and initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels 15.0 ng/mL or less received conformal radiation doses of 74 to 75 cobalt gray equivalent with protons alone or combined with photons.

Conformal proton therapy for prostate carcinoma.

Background: The role and optimum dose of radiation to eradicate prostate cancer continues to be evaluated. Protons offer an opportunity to increase the radiation dose to the prostate while minimizing treatment toxicity.

Methods: Six hundred forty-three patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with protons, with or without photons.

Particle beam radiation therapy in prostate cancer: is there an advantage?

Hadron therapy uses heavy particles to deliver therapeutic ionizing energy. Each particle's inherent attributes determine the pattern of energy deposited by its beam, expressed in macro (conformability to a three-dimensional target volume) and micro (radiobiologic properties) distributions. Mass and charge regulate the inherent properties; beam energy provides a controllable, variable characteristic.