Optimization Models for Radiation Cancer Treatment Planning using MatRad Software

• Grant number: 24/22389-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering - Operational Research
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Renata Cantane
• Grantee: Diogo José Sousa Leão
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in Brazil and around the world, requiring a search for more effective and individualized treatment methods, especially given the projected increase in new cases. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is an important approach in treating malignant tumors that allows greater precision in administering radiation doses. However, planning has considerable challenges when balancing delivering the optimal dose to the tumor and protecting adjacent organs. In this context, this project aims to improve radiotherapy planning using matRad software, an advanced system that allows simulating cancer treatment with photons, protons, and carbon ions. The proposal is to investigate and integrate optimization models to improve dose distribution to matRad, maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. The study will be applied to real cases of cancer patients, and the expectation is that the models developed will contribute to scientific advancement in Medical Physics and Applied Mathematics, assisting in decision-making and offering safer and more precise radiotherapy treatment.