Abstract
The purpose of the study is that introduce novel universal Conformity Index (CI) and
Unconformity Index (UCIs) Algorithms that can be used for all radiotherapy treatment
planning methods. The applicability of existing CIs has been reviewed and analyzed
for each radiotherapy plan dose distribution. Novel CI and UCIs have been derived
in this study to complement the calculation deficiencies. The novel CI evaluation
software has been developed using these algorithms with Eclipse Scripting Application
Programing Interface (ESAPI). Also, this software has been tested at clinically case.
There are deficiencies in existing CI formulas. Some of currently used CIs only consider
the irradiated healthy tissue volume, whereas others solely consider the irradiated
tumor volume. The existing CIs can't reveal the cause of unconformity and calculate
the unconformity magnitude. In the current study, CI evaluation software were successfully
run integrated with TPS. Novel CI and UCIs algorithms introduced in the current study
overcome all calculation deficiencies of existing CIs. Results have showed that the
novel CI yielding correct results when cold spots has occurred in the tumor volume
(TV) and/or healthy tissues has been irradiated was completely compatible with the
accepted definitions of the conformity index. Also, it is universally applicable.
Besides, cause and magnitude of unconformity in plans can accurately be revealed with
the novel UCI algorithms. Thus, what to be done to increase the conformity is well
addressed. Novel CI and UCIs can effectively be used as optimization tool to create
the best radiotherapy dose distribution.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 05, 2022
Accepted:
April 28,
2022
Received:
March 3,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
