Ts. Koh et al., A practical approach to inverse planning for high-precision dose escalatedconformal prostate radiotherapy, PHYS MED BI, 46(5), 2001, pp. 1473-1485
The problem of choosing the best gantry angles and beam weights for dose-es
calated conformal prostate treatment planning is formulated using a mixed-i
nteger linear programming approach, to account for tumour dose homogeneity
and dose-volume constraints. The formulation allows the number of beams to
be restricted and for some of the beams to be compulsory. The present plann
ing algorithm interfaces with and utilizes the three-dimensional planning c
apabilities of a commercial treatment planning system. A case study is illu
strated, which represents a particularly challenging planning problem due t
o a large planning target volume and an unusually small bladder. Treatment
plans with different numbers of beams are generated to compare with each ot
her and with the standard six-field plan. Significant improvement is shown
in the reduction of hot regions within the femoral heads and rectal wall, w
hile not unduly compromising homogeneity constraints for the tumour.