Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for better dose targeting

Full text: Intensity modulated radiation therapy generally implies the use of inverse planning using preselected organ dose constraints and dose volume histogram analysis. Then modulated beams are created by multi leaf collimator (MLC) sequences. This new method of modulating each beam produces fine resolution dose maps around the target volume. New and exciting tumour visualisation techniques using PET and MRS imaging may ensure that the new technology in dose delivery is matched by improved biological aided targeting images which better specifying the tumour volume. Implementing IMRT into the clinic is a complex and time consuming task however some examples of clinical sites which lend themselves to IMRT over conventional radiotherapy will be shown. One vendors approach (the pinnacle radiotherapy planning computer) is described. It maintains forward computation of the final dose map to ensure integrity of the inverse planning process. Planning dose tool calculations are compared with film dosimetry results. These comparisons ensure accurate doses are delivered to the patient