37 Advancing the art.-A renaissance in IMRT

Abstract

The goals of conformal radiotherapy are achieved using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

Different techniques as well as considerations to decide about the technique are reviewed. Technical requirements for these techniques are a combination of an automated treatment delivery system a double focussed 3D-MLC an intuitive graphical user interface allowing full verification and documentation. To assure a correct and effective treatment delivery effects like tongue and groove, matchline, leakage and scatter are taken into account.

Treatment time is an important factor and tools to optimize the efficiency of treatment delivery are presented. IMRT is clinically possible within the time slot needed in conformal therapy today. This is not a special procedure but can be clinical routine to benefit many cancer patients. Dose escalation is possible without further increasing the dose to critical structures. Conformal avoidance may allow additional radiotherapy to patients within recurrencies after previous radiotherapy.

Inversetreatment planning may be part of managing IMRT. A Therapy Information systems is needed to manage the data for this treatment technique. A complete solution for IMRT is presented including clinical results from various centers around the world.