Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Electron beam irradiation can effectively cure superficial and eccentric tumors. Combined with CT images and three-dimensional dose algorithm, we can also realize the precise quantification of tumor dose using electron beam irradiation, which is more advantageous to tumor local controlling.
OBJECTIVE: To study and implement a three-dimensional electron beam dose calculation method based on CT images.
METHODS: The CT images of patients with nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus cancer were collected. Microsoft Visual C++ was used to parse CT images for related information, and then the human body emulational matrix was built for the dose model calculation, including oblique incidence correction and tissue inhomogeneity correction. The sagittal and coronal CT images in the three-dimensional display were reconstructed using VTK technique. The dose distribution curves displayed on cross-sectional, sagittal and coronal images were drawn by the dose distribution calculation methods.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: According to the object-oriented analysis and design concept, we developed a high-visualized treatment planning software with interactive interface that is easy to operate. Besides, it could calculate accelerator output dose based on given target area dose. High doses line could be a very good conformal target area, and it could minimize the dose on the normal tissues and key organs, thereby protecting the tissues and organs. This planning software we developed realized the dose visualization in patients undergoing electron beam radiation therapy, and visually displayed the dose distribution, which is of significance for further improving the curative effects of radiation treatment and subsequent research of accurate radiotherapy.