Radiation Oncology and Computer Technology

Widespread implementation and continuing improvements in computer technology led to the development of modern radiotherapy, called Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy. Using CT scan or MRI scan itʹs now possible to define target volume in three dimensions using delineation on multiple slices from computer tomography or other imaging study. The information from these scans feeds directly into the radiotherapy planning system. The computer programme then designs multiple radiation beam directions to crossfire on the targets. Individual beams are shaped or intensity modulated to create dose distributions that conform to ʹconformʹ more closely to the shape of the tumour and avoid healthy tissue as far as possible. Patient positioning, immobilization, and treatment delivery become also computer controlled and to great deal automated, so that setup errors and patients motions are minimized. That enables to maximize dose to tumors, minimize dose to surrounding tissues, and in so doing, improve the likelihood of malignant diseases control and outcome, and patientʹs better quality of life.