pyMKM: An Open-Source Python Package for Microdosimetric Kinetic Model Calculation in Research and Clinical Applications
Among existing radiobiological models, the MKM and its extensions (SMK and OSMK) have demonstrated strong predictive capabilities but remain computationally demanding. To address this, we present pyMKM v0.1.0, an open-source Python package for the generation of microdosimetric tables and radiobiological quantities based on these models. The package includes modules for track structure integration, saturation and stochastic corrections, oxygen modulation, and survival fraction computation. Validation was conducted against multiple published datasets across various ion species, LET values, and cell lines under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Quantitative comparisons showed high agreement with reference data, with average log errors typically below 0.06 and symmetric mean absolute percentage errors under 2%. The software achieved full unit test coverage and successful execution across multiple Python versions through continuous integration workflows. These results confirm the numerical accuracy, structural robustness, and reproducibility of pyMKM. The package provides a transparent, modular, and extensible tool for microdosimetric modeling in support of radiobiological studies, Monte Carlo-based dose calculation, and biologically guided treatment planning.
Authors
- Lars Glimelius (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9112-891X)
- Loïc Grevillot (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3433-9582)
- Giuseppe Magro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7140-8642)
- Yihan Jia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8411-0036)
- Andrea Mairani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6669-7064)
- Vittoria Pavanello (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2010-8291)
Institutions
- Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori di Pavia (IT)
- Heidelberger Institut für Radioonkologie (DE)
- National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (IT)
- MedAustron (AT)
- RaySearch Laboratories (Sweden) (SE)
- Medical University of Vienna (AT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Computation
- Published
- 2025-11-09
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/computation13110264
- Primary Topic
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission
- Austrian Science Fund
- European Regional Development Fund