DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED RADIOTHERAPY NETWORK SYSTEM

Purpose: To introduce the process of developing an integrated radiothe rapy network. Methods and Materials: We developed a new radiotherapy t reatment-planning system in 1987 that we named the Computed Tomography (CT) simulator. CT images were immediately transported to multiimage monitors and to a planning computer, and treatment planning could be p erformed with the patient lying on the CT couch. The results of planni ng were used to guide a laser projector, and radiation fields were pro jected onto the skin of the patient. Since 1991, an integrated radioth erapy network system has been developed, which consists of a picture a rchiving and communicating system (PACS), a radiotherapy information d atabase, a CT simulator, and a linear accelerator with a multileaf col limator. Results: Clinical experience has been accumulated in more tha n 1,100 patients. Based on our 7 years of experience, we have modified several components of our original CT simulator and have developed a second generation CT simulator. A standard protocol has been developed for communication between the CT scanner, treatment planning computer , and radiotherapy apparatus using the Ethernet network. As a result, treatment planning data can be transported to the linear accelerator w ithin 1 min after completion of treatment planning. Conclusion: This s ystem enables us to make optimal use of CT information and to devise a ccurate three-dimensional (3D) treatment-planning programs. Our networ k also allows for the performance of fully computer-controlled dynamic are conformal therapy.