The field shape optimization in conformal radiation therapy by MLC rotation / 生物医学工程学杂志

ABSTRACT

Conformal radiation therapy using multi-leaf collimator (MLC) is considered as a conventional technology in the hospital nowadays. However the stepped leaf edge caused by the finite width of the leaves could influence the conformality that could be achievable. In this paper, the effect produced by rotating the collimator angle on the conformality was investigated. A method, in which multiple MLC fields of various rotation angles are applied, has been proposed to have the targets be more uniformly irradiated and thus to eliminate the cold spots on the targets and hot spots in normal tissues. By simulation, it has been shown that the multiple MLC field method can eliminate the stepped leaf edges and improve the conformality significantly, moreover, the PTV can receive a more uniform delivery with cold spot eliminated.