Optimization of the radiotherapy treatment plan (Q1102886)

A nonlinear minimization search method is proposed for optimizing the radiotherapy treatment plan. The basic implicit assumptions in clinical radiotherapeutic practice are reviewed in light of their implications for treatment-plan optimization. A tumor dose function is defined for unconstrained conditions pertaining to dose uniformity or minimized dose gradient over the tumor bed, and for constrained conditions relating to isodose curve levels or anatomic points of interest. The optimization strategy followed in the case of single and multiple beam variables is described and illustrated in a clinical case stuy.