title: A gradient method of optimizing external-beam radiotherapy treatment plans.
abstract: Although a number of methods of treatment optimization by computer have ben proposed, they have received little support. In this paper, an alternative approach is proposed based on the differentials of a treatment evaluation function with respect to wedge angle, incidence angle, entry point, and field weighting. The technique may be used in a batch-oriented computer system, or, by means of a conversational terminal, the therapist can plan a treatment with guidance from the program. Although it can be used to find global optima by a search process, it operates best as a method of improving partially-satisfactory treatments.
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival; D003201:Computers; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage