The effects of titanium mesh on passive-scattering proton dose

High-density metallic implants can introduce considerable uncertainties in proton therapy treatment planning. These uncertainties eventually translate into proton range errors, which may cause significant underdosing to the target volume or overdosing to normal tissue beyond the target. This study investigated the dosimetric impact of a 0.6 mm titanium (Ti) mesh implant in passive-scattering proton beam therapy through the study of the depth dose and output in water, and the dose profiles in solid water at various depths. The measurements were performed for a beam with a range of 8.5 cm and a modulation of 7.5 cm. The titanium mesh was placed at a depth of 1 cm below the surface of the phantom for all measurements. A range reduction of 0.5 ± 0.1 mm was observed for a beam perpendicular to the mesh, with no further reductions when the incident angle increased to 60°. We conclude that the dosimetric effect of a 0.6 mm titanium mesh implant is small for a passive scattering proton beam. With proper correction applied to metal artifacts, consistent results were observed in the phantom study in the treatment planning system. (note)