Simulated Optimization of Brachytherapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer.

摘要

This project's dual objectives are the preparation of the PI for a career in breast cancer research and the design of a system of computer-base simulations capable of evaluating the effectiveness of various methods of breast cancer brachytherapy treatments both in general and for each individual patient for use in clinical decision-making. An initial simple tissue and device model developed using the finite element software ABAQUS was expounded upon to create a more complex model utilizing tissue in homogeneity to inform both the FEM and Monte Carlo models. Modeled devices were simulated in a detailed patient model in the FEM software in order to create the geometry for the Monte Carlo calculation of simulated radiation treatment. Imaging data from 10 different patients were categorized by important clinical markers, allowing multiple devices to be assessed in a single patient. Initial results showed variations in device treatment quality for different patient types, although a larger set of patients should be analyzed to assess these results.