Date Approved
8-1-2024
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Medical Dosimetry (M.S.)
Degree Program
Health Professions
First Advisor
Bethany Marshall
Academic Year
2023/2024
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of differing hair densities on dose distributions for proton plans in the head and neck region.
Methods: Four CT scans were acquired with varying hair densities. Plans were created on a no hair scan using both a 3cm and 5cm range shifter. Plans were then calculated using three additional datasets with varying hairstyles to analyze dosimetric differences. Water equivalent depth and distance from 80% isodose line to user origin were analyzed for each scan and compared.
Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the no hair scan and the three varying hairstyles (p=.7714). Dosimetric differences were seen when comparing the 3cm range shifter plan differences to the 5cm range shifter plans differences (p=.0286).
Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for detailed patient education and communication regarding hairstyle maintenance to improve the quality of treatment plans and overall patient care. The findings of the study support the robustness of proton therapy planning systems in accommodating minor variations in hair density, ensuring effective and safe cancer treatment.
ScholarWorks Citation
Reed, Breanna M., "Investigating the Quantitative Impact of Varied Hair Densities on Proton Beam Planning for Head and Neck Cancer: A Dosimetric Analysis" (2024). Culminating Experience Projects. 462.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/462
