The British Journal of Radiology, Vol 52, Issue 618 478-481, Copyright © 1979 by British Institute of Radiology

ARTICLES

A computerized three-dimensional treatment planning system utilizing interactive colour graphics

DL McShan, A Silverman, DM Lanza, LE Reinstein and AS Glicksman

A new computerized radiation treatment planning system has been developed to aid in three-dimensional treatment planning. Using interactive colour graphics in conjunction with a DPD 11/45 computer, the system can take multiple transverse contours and construct a perspective display of the treatment region showing organ surfaces as well as cross-sectional contours. With interactively selected orientations, the display allows easy perception of the relative positioning of the treatment volume and neighbouring anatomy. For external beam treatment planning, interactive computer simulation is used to select diaphragm sizes which best conform to the target area while avoiding sensitive structures. Dose calculations for the selected beams are carried out on multiple transverse planes. The calculational planes and surfaces are displayed in perspective with radiation dosage displayed in an interactively manipulated colour display. Altogether the system provides an easy assessment of the volume to be irradiated, interactive selection of optimal arrangements of treatment fields and a means for visualizing and evaluating the resulting dose distributions.

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