Radiation therapy information systems (RTISs): state of the art and new perspectives

Information technology in radiotherapy finds three separate fields of application: direct computerization is essentially aimed at the conformation of target volume. It is present in devices used for treatment planning and execution. Indirect computerization is essentially aimed at the acquisition of patient's data relevant to the routine and clinical management and at the ready access to the acquired information. Communication networks are intended to facilitate the definition of the patient's integrated reporting, to optimize available resources and multicentric research. Present information technology in radiotherapy is based on the need for a radiation therapy information system (RTIS). It should be designed as a transverse access between the various subsystems, unified in planning, even if implemented at different times and with different technologies, ready to work on a geographic scale, now feasible with the international communication networks.