Non Linear Programming Approach for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning with Partial Volume Constraints

NVSL Narasimham, S P Kishore

Abstract: Optimization has become an important tool in treatment planning for cancer radiation therapy.In radiation therapy the major test is to quantify optimization techniques. In this paper an attempt has been made to solve the ?radiotherapy treatment planning? by using non linear programming approach with partial volume constraints. The challenge in therapy preparation is to decide a treatment plan, to determine beam weights, beam directions, and appropriate use of beam modifiers such as wedges and blocks, with the aim of delivering a lethal dose to the tumor while sparing nearby organs at risk and normal tissue. The results are evaluated numerically and illustrated through dose volume histograms.

Keywords: Non Linear Programming problem; Radiotherapy; Dose Volume Histograms; Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT);Conventional 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT)