Monte Carlo techniques for proton radiation therapy facilities

Application of Monte Carlo techniques toward the development of proton radiation therapy facilities is discussed. In shielding applications, the LAHET Code System is found to reproduce dose-equivalent experimental attenuation results, however the source term for absorbed dose attenuation is overestimated. Proposed application towards beam delivery system development should result in higher quality treatment beams. Application of simulation techniques to dosimetry applications will allow further understanding of the detailed dose deposition. Patient treatment planning can benefit from Monte Carlo techniques in the development of treatment planning algorithms. Supplanting conventional treatment planning with use of Monte Carlo techniques is a goal