The value of three-dimensional radiotherapy planning in advanced carcinoma of the urinary bladder based on computed tomography.
Since 1987, radiotherapy planning of advanced bladder cancer T3-T4 has been based on computed tomography (CT), and since 1989 we have used a three-dimensional (3-D) planning system. The treatment plans of 110 patients referred to our department in 1989-1991 have been evaluated. The field sizes used after CT-based treatment planning were compared with the field sizes that would have been used after conventional planning alone (cystogram). The changes of the treatment plans are described. In 62 (60%) cases the treatment plans were altered because of the CT-scans, mainly as an enlargement of the fields. The field enlargements were mostly in the dorsal and caudal direction. In 10 (10%) cases the CT-scans provided diagnostic information which contra-indicated the proposed radical irradiation. The 3-D dose planning system has been of great value, especially the beams-eye view presentation which is an efficient tool for adjusting the field size.
Larsen
L E
LE
Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
Engelholm
S A
SA
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D006801:Humans; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*