title: On the use of virtual simulation in radiotherapy of the intact breast.
abstract: In this paper a method of breast cancer treatment planning using virtual simulation implemented at the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin is described. All patients in this procedure are placed in a custom vacuum mold in treatment position with both arms up to avoid collision with the CT scanner aperture. For all patients a CT scan of 5-mm-slice thickness is acquired. The ipsilateral and contralateral breast, the ipsilateral lung and the heart are delineated and a three-dimensional plan is generated that tries to minimize the dose to the ipsilateral lung and heart while ensuring adequate coverage of the affected breast. Digitally reconstructed radiographs are used to verify the patient setup on the treatment machine.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Human Oncology and Medical Physics, Medical School, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. wtome@facstaf.wisc.edu
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Tomé
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Steeves
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Paliwal
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods