Derivation of the expressions for ₅₀and<i>D</i>₅₀for different individual TCP and NTCP models

Abstract

This paper presents a complete set of formulae for the position (D50) and the normalized slope (gamma50) of the dose-response relationship based on the most commonly used radiobiological models for tumours as well as for normal tissues. The functional subunit response models (critical element and critical volume) are used in the derivation of the formulae for the normal tissue. Binomial statistics are used to describe the tumour control probability, the functional subunit response as well as the normal tissue complication probability. The formulae are derived for the single hit and linear quadratic models of cell kill in terms of the number of fractions and dose per fraction. It is shown that the functional subunit models predict very steep, almost step-like, normal tissue individual dose-response relationships. Furthermore, the formulae for the normalized gradient depend on the cellular parameters alpha and beta when written in terms of number of fractions, but not when written in terms of dose per fraction.