On improving physical selectivity in the treatment of cancer: A systems modelling and optimisation approach

This paper presents the results arising from a practical implementation of a novel hybrid optimisation scheme, used to solve the inverse problem in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). A matrix-based beam model which has been developed making use of a control systems modelling approach is used, together with a hybrid optimisation scheme. Patient-specific compensator profiles are deduced from the intensity modulated beam profiles obtained from the hybrid scheme, with use being made of an exponential attenuation factor coupled with a point spread convolution function to account for the scatter in the compensator. A good agreement between the predicted and actual conformational distributions is achieved. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.