A multi-user networked database for analysis of clinical and temperature data from patients treated with simultaneous radiation and ultrasound hyperthermia

A database was developed using commercially available development software that allows the entry of clinical data and automatically analyses temperatu re and power data from a commercial ultrasound hyperthermia system. The dat abase can be accessed via network connections by more than one authorized u ser, thus facilitating the entry, management, and analysis of clinical data . The software automatically estimates ultrasound induced temperature artif acts and calculates thermal dose parameters such as T90s, equivalent minute s at 43 degrees, and time at or above index temperatures using the correcte d temperatures. These parameters also become part of the database. Digital photographs of treatment setup, probe placement, and tumour or normal tissu e response can be included in the database for documentation and reference. Ultrasound diagnostic images that document the depth and reproducibility o f probe placement can be scanned into the PC and included in the database a s well. This short communication documents experiences developing this tool that may be useful to other investigators.