Abstract
Purpose: In radiotherapytreatment planning, 3D radiationdose distributions are commonly distilled into 2D dose‐volume histograms (DVHs), which are used both to optimize and evaluate treatment plans. Unfortunately, the DVH presents only static and physical absorbed dose and contains no spatial or biological information.Spatial and biological information is necessary in order to perform true computational optimization and for predicting clinical outcome. The goal of this project is to develop a new treatment plan evaluation and optimization tool which incorporates biological and spatialinformation.Methods: Matlab‐based software SABER (Spatial And Biological Evaluation for Radiotherapy) was developed. It utilizes widely‐accepted radiobiological models to convert physical absorbed doses to equivalent biological doses. Corrections to dose distributions may be applied within the software to simulate dose wash‐out effects due to cell migration and/or other tissue motion during treatment. Radiobiological models are applied to calculate radiobiological quantities of interest. The software can calculate tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) as a function of prescribed radiationdose.Results: SABER incorporates spatialinformation and provides biological evaluation capabilities not currently available in commercial treatment planning systems. Intuitive methods are offered to restore spatialdoseinformation back into DVH format. Plans with similar physical DVHs may appear significantly different once spatial characteristics and biological information are included. Depending on 3D dose distribution and radiosensitivity of structures, TCP and NTCP predicted based on biologically modified dose can be significantly different than those predicted based on physical absorbed dose, thus changing the clinical course of action. Conclusions: SABER provides both spatial and biological information about the dose distribution. Incorporating this information can help create better plans and more accurately predict treatment outcome. It may significantly alter predicted TCP and NTCP and thus the choice of treatment plan. Conflict of interest: Supported by Varian Medical Systems.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
