Clustering techniques for a goal programming model applied to radiotherapy planning

• Grant number: 24/18660-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering - Operational Research
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Renata Cantane
• Grantee: Lorena Tarrasqui
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, and the search for effective treatments is increasingly urgent. In Brazil, the situation is no different; estimates indicate a significant rise in the incidence of new cancer cases, reinforcing the need for more studies in this area. Radiotherapy, particularly Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), is a fundamental technique in treating malignant tumors. However, radiotherapy planning faces many challenges related to optimizing radiation dose distribution. In pursuit of an efficient way to balance therapeutic efficacy with the protection of organs at risk, this project proposes an approach that considers clusters to define the set of weights for an extended goal programming model. Clustering will facilitate the identification of ideal parameter sets, enabling an optimized definition of weights for different body regions and simplifying the analysis of dose administration. This approach will be applied to real data from patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments. This research will simultaneously contribute to the advancement of Applied Mathematics and Medical Physics, with the potential to support professionals in decision-making and reduce the risks associated with ionizing radiation. The project is feasible and supported by experienced researchers and strong partnerships with national and international research groups.