title: Tools for the analysis of dose optimization: II. Sensitivity analysis.
abstract: Dose optimization requires that the treatment goals be specified in a meaningful manner, but also that alterations to the specification lead to predictable changes in the resulting dose distribution. Within the framework of constrained optimization, it is possible to devise a tool that quantifies the impact on the objective of target volume coverage of any change to a dosimetric constraint of normal tissue or target dose homogeneity. This sensitivity analysis relies on properties of the Lagrange function that is associated with the constrained optimization problem, but does not depend on the method used to solve this problem. It is useful particularly in cases with multiple target volumes and critical normal structures, where constraints and objectives can interact in a non-intuitive manner.
authors.affiliation: Abt. Medizinische Physik. Radiologische Uniklinik, Universität Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alber
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Birkner
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nüsslin
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012007:Rectum / Q000528:radiation effects; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000528:radiation effects