A deep learning model for predicting the modified micro-dosimetric kinetic model-based dose and the dose-averaged linear energy transfer for prostate cancer in carbon ion therapy

Adaptive carbon ion radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer requires accurate evaluation of biological dose and dose-averaged linear energy transfer (LET(d)) changes. This study developed a deep learning model to rapidly predict the modified micro-dosimetric kinetic model (mMKM)-based dose and LET(d) distributions. Using data from fifty patients for training and testing, the model achieved gamma passing rates exceeding 96% compared to true mMKM-based dose and LET(d) recalculated from local effect model I (LEM I) plans. Incorporating computed tomography images, contours, physical dose, and LEM I-based dose as inputs, this model provided a rapid, accurate tool for comprehensive evaluations.