Nuclear reaction cross sections for hadron therapy

Abstract

Treatment planning in hadron therapy uses Monte Carlo techniques that require total nuclear reaction cross sections for a variety of interacting systems and over a wide range of energies. Current empirical models are tuned to reproduce cross sections for stable isotopes, but in some cases, overestimate measured cross sections by 20%. Here we discuss an alternative approach: the optical limit of Glauber theory, which describes existing measurements better and offers more reliable predictions for the many systems where there is no experimental information. We also suggest how existing implementations of empirical models within GEANT4 could be improved. Ultimately, these calculations should contribute to improvements in planning of hadron therapy treatments.