The Scatter Search Based Algorithm for Beam Angle Optimization in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

Tis article introduces a new framework for beam angle optimization (BAO) in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using the Scatter Search Based Algorithm. Te potential benefts of plans employing the coplanar optimized beam sets are also examined. In the proposed beam angle selection algorithm, the problem is solved in two steps. Initially, the gantry angles are selected using the Scatter Search Based Algorithm, which is a global optimization method. Ten, for each beam confguration, the intensity profle is calculated by the conjugate gradient method to score each beam angle set chosen. A simulated phantom case with obvious optimal beam angles was used to benchmark the validity of the presented algorithm. Two clinical cases (TG-119 phantom and prostate cases) were examined to prepare a dose volume histogram (DVH) and determine the dose distribution to evaluate efciency of the algorithm. A clinical plan with the optimized beam confguration was compared with an equiangular plan to determine the efciency of the proposed algorithm. Te BAO plans yielded signifcant improvements in the DVHs and dose distributions compared to the equispaced coplanar beams for each case. Te proposed algorithm showed its potential to efectively select the beam direction for IMRT inverse planning at diferent tumor sites.