An analytical approximation of the Bragg curve for therapeutic proton beams

The knowledge of proton depth-dose curves, or "Bragg curves," is a fundamental prerequisite for dose calculations in radiotherapy planning, among other applications. In various cases it is desirable to have an analytical representation of the Bragg curve, rather than using measured or numerically calculated data. This work provides an analytical approximation of the Bragg curve in closed form. The underlying model is valid for proton energies between about 10 and 200 MeV. Its main four constituents are: (i) a power-law relationship describing the range-energy dependency; (ii) a linear model for the fluence reduction due to nonelastic nuclear interactions, assuming local deposition of a fraction of the released energy; (iii) a Gaussian approximation of the range straggling distribution; and (iv) a representation of the energy spectrum of poly-energetic beams by a Gaussian with a linear "tail." Based on these assumptions the Bragg curve can be described in closed form using a simple combination of Gaussians and parabolic cylinder functions. The resulting expression can be fitted to measurements within the measurement error. Very good agreement is also found with numerically calculated Bragg curves. (C) 1997 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.