Abstract:

The recent development of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows the dose distribution to be tailored to match the tumor's shape and position, avoiding damage to healthy tissue to a greater extent than previously possible. Traditional treatment plans assume that the target structure remains in a fixed location throughout treatment. However, many studies have shown that because of organ motion, inconsistencies in patient positioning over the weeks of treatment, etc., the tumor location is not stationary. To combat these uncertainties one can introduce a real-time tracking of the tumor and organ positions during the treatment process (based on additional imaging of the patient's body) and adjust the delivered dose accordingly. We will discuss these image-guided techniques.