Computed tomography and radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer

Computed tomography (CT) has shown to be of great value in the treatment of cancer with radiation therapy. It is used more and more in the estimation of tumor volume and for treatment planning, with the aid of the computerized treatment unit. At the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, CT has been used routinely for the treatment planning. From October 1, 1981 to June 30, 1982, we performed 180 CT scans for the treatment planning, 380 simple dose calculations, 237 complex treatment plans, and 42 intracavitary dosimetry using the treatment planning unit. This is a review of our experience with some illustrations. Accurate tumor dose can be delivered with reducing the complications with the use of CT and the computerized treatment unit.