Projects / Programmes
Introduction of threedimensional radiotherapy treatment planning in Slovenia
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.04.00 |
Medical sciences |
Oncology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B520 |
Biomedical sciences |
General pathology, pathological anatomy |
| B200 |
Biomedical sciences |
Cytology, oncology, cancerology |
| P210 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Elementary particle physics, quantum field theory |
radiotherapy, medical physics, physics, dosimetry, linear accelerator, three-dimensional treatment planning system, computerized tomography, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, multileaf collimator, dynamic arc therapy, ionising radiation, hadron therapy
Researchers (16)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a non-invasive modality of cancer treatment using ionising irradiation. In Slovenia, over 4000 new patients are treated yearly with radiotherapy. The most complex and proven technique is three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy using appropriate computer systems and machines. In the proposed study, we will establish the conditions for clinical implementation of this modality, thereby achieving a more accurate dose delivery to the tumor volumes as well as reducing the dose to critical organs and healthy tissue. With the purchase of a modern linear accelerator, we will have the possibility to control by computer individual field shaping with the help of multileaf collimator system. All photon and electron beam characteristics will be determined experimentally with the use of computer controlled water phantom, which will be preprogrammed according to the needs of our measurements. Thimble and parallel ionisation chambers as well as semiconductor detectors will be used as detectors of ionising radiation. All relevant, experimentally obtained results will be used as a data base for 3D treatment planning system. Anatomical data, required for accurate planning, will be obtained by spiral computed tomography (CT) scanner that will be adapted to the specific needs of radiotherapy. A direct link for data transfer between CT scanner, planning system and workstations for data analysis will be established. In a later phase of the project, additional experimental work and analysis will be needed for the implementation of intensity modulated radiotherapy which will also allow the treatment of certain tumors of concave shape. We will conclude the project by preparing the conditions for dynamic arc therapy allowing a dynamic changing of the shape of irradiation field while rotating the head of linear accelerator.
During the project implementation, we will collaborate with >The TERA Foundation<, a project whose primary goal is to develop radiotherapy techniques based on the use of hadron particles. This collaboration will give the opportunity for treatment with this technique for Slovenian patients as well.
