Investigation of the Effect of Proton Energy on the Depth-dose Distribution in the Proton Therapy of the Eye Tumor Using MCNPX Code

Introduction: Depth-dose distribution curve of protons in the matter has a maximum is called Bragg peak. Bragg peak of a monoenergetic proton beam is too narrow. The spread out Bragg peak should be created for full coverage of the tumor. The spread out Bragg peak is obtained in the depth of the tumor with superposition of the several Bragg peaks. The aim of this study was coverage of an eye tumor in the proton therapy while healthy eye tissue absorbs less radiation. Methods: In this analytical study, the simulations were performed using MCNPX code. A tumor in the eye phantom was considered. The eye phantom has been irradiated with different proton beam energy. A Polystyrene modulator wheel was used for creating the spread out Bragg peak in the tumor region. Results: Bragg peaks were created in different depths of the tumor, by varying the proton beam energies from 20 MeV to 38 MeV. Bragg peak of the 32.85 MeV proton beam energy was precisely placed at the end of the tumor. Different pristine Bragg peaks were produced using a Polystyrene modulator wheel with different thicknesses and 32.85 MeV proton beam energy. The spread out Bragg peak was created in the tumor region by modulation of the pristine Bragg peaks. Neutrons and photons are produced by the inelastic nuclear interactions of protons with the nuclei of different tissues of eyes. The flux and absorbed dose of secondary neutrons and photons were considerably small compared to the depth-dose distribution of protons and the total absorbed dose in the tumor was more than other tissues of eyes. Conclusion: Using a modulator wheel the tumor can be treated, so that the minimal damage reaches the surrounding tissues. The results show that more than 92% of the total dose of secondary particles and protons is absorbed in the tumor.