Adapting the TG-43 formalism for use in Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy

Abstract

Background: Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy ("Alpha DaRT") enables the treatment of solid tumors using alpha particles. In Alpha DaRT, the tumor dose distribution is mainly dictated by the diffusion of the decay products of $^{224}$Ra. Due to the inherently different mechanism of dose delivery of the Alpha-DaRT source compared to sources emitting only electrons or photons, the conventional formalism of TG-43 cannot be directly applied to Alpha DaRT. Purpose: To adapt the TG-43 formalism to be used with the Alpha-DaRT model, with the specific aim of allowing commercial treatment-planning software packages to be used for Alpha-DaRT treatment planning. Methods: The effective dose rate is defined, along with an activity conversion factor. These, together with a numerical calculation that solves the model equations, allow implementing the Alpha-DaRT model predictions into the TG-43 formalism. Results: An example of calculated $F(r, θ)$ and $g_L(r)$ tables is presented for an Alpha-DaRT treatment scenario, with the model parameters representing preclinical data on squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Commercial software can be used for Alpha-DaRT treatment planning. However, the generated $F(r, θ)$ and $g_L(r)$ tables depend on tissue parameters, as well as treatment duration, and so these tables should be generated on a case-by-case basis.