Criteria for the evaluation of treatment planning systems

Radiation treatment planning systems (RTPS) are evolving on a rapid and continual basis. After the evaluation of several commercial systems, we have developed a list of features we consider desirable in a product. The goal in the compilation of these criteria was a comprehensive worksheet which categorized the characteristics of RTPS into hardware (computer and peripheral devices), 2-D planning tools, 3-D planning tools, irregular field planning tools, and brachytherapy planning. With these distinctions, one can evaluate a system conforming to the specific planning needs, e.g., conformal therapy, dynamic therapy capabilities, or optimized remote afterloading brachytherapy, of a department. The rationales of the special requirements are provided for justification.