The cost effectiveness of CT-assisted radiotherapy planning

The cross-sections displayed by computed tomography are an ideal basis for radiotherapy planning because the bodycontour, tumour target and adjacent normal tissues are accurately visualized. Using this format, dose distribution plans can be computed using an integrated radiotherapy planning system and these techniques make an important contribution to the management of many tumours. With an estimated improvement in cure rate of 4.5% and cost-effective factors of 5.0 (Netherlands) and 3.3 (United Kingdom), CT-assisted radiotherapy planning appears to be a worthwhile procedure.