A simple program to calculate normal tissue complication probability in external beam radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Purpose: to provide a simple program to calculate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) based on the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and to illustrate the implementation of the NTCP model as a research tool of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods and materials: As a high-level technical computing language, Matlab was chosen to implement the EUD-based Lyman-Kutcher-Burman NTCP mathematical model. The normal tissue DVHs of three patients with NPC were obtained from Elekta precise treatment planning system. The necessary parameters for the model were clearly defined. Results: The computer code is presented and saved as a Matlab program. The EUD and NTCP values of four normal tissues were generated. Conclusion: The model has an excellent ability in fitting the normal structures tolerance values in this study. It is helpful for clinicians to select safer and more effective treatment plans.