Computerised conformal radiation therapy-a critical process

Cancer radiotherapy encompasses diagnostic techniques, treatment simulation and planning, specialised treatment delivery and verification. Imaging technology, mathematical modelling and medico scientific concepts are brought together in a computerised environment to meet the highly specific and literally critical medical needs of a large number of patients. The article describes clinical systems and new developments at the Christie Hospital, Manchester. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between geometric shielding design, disease targeting and radiation dose computation. Outstanding problems are introduced, including the adaptation of the whole therapy continuum to take account of patient movement and the numerical modelling of biological knowledge as a means of predicting treatment effect.<>