4. Treatment Planning Algorithms

Abstract

An important limitation on the accuracy of the dose delivered to the patient in radiation therapy is determined by the accuracy of the treatment planning dose calculation algorithm. Existing recommendations for the commissioning and verification of treatment planning system (TPS) dose calculations are given by AAPM TG 53 (Fraass et al., 1998), IAEA TRS 430 (IAEA, 2004), NCS Report 15 (Reynaert et al., 2006). The American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group Report 67 described benchmark tests for the validation of dose calculation algorithms. These reports, however, are general and not sufficiently specific for small fields. This Section reviews some general features and addresses a few pertinent issues specific to dose calculation algorithms for small fields. An overview of historical and general aspects of treatment planning algorithms can be found in ICRU Report 83. This Section will concentrate on the details that should be considered when implementing these algorithms for small field stereotactic radiation therapy/stereotactic body radiotherapy (SRT/SBRT).