title: The effect of beam divergence on target coverage.
abstract: The well-known fact that radiation beams diverge is frequently not considered during the treatment planning process. Complacency with respect to beam divergence can, in some situations, lead to inappropriate field design. In this review, the potential problems arising from failure to adequately account for beam divergence in treatment planning are outlined, and commonly encountered clinical examples are illustrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Bentel
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Marks
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Anscher
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D015182:Lymphatic Irradiation; D008297:Male; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013131:Spine / Q000528:radiation effects; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy