Geometrical uncertainties in radiotherapy

Abstract

Geometrical uncertainties are a fact in any radiotherapy practice. Lasers can be misaligned, patients are mobile and the definition of the target volume is not always very easy. To deal with these uncertainties a safety margin is applied, i.e. a larger volume than the target itself is treated. In this chapter we will discuss common sources of geometrical uncertainties and how to compute these safety margins. © 2009 Springer Science + Business Media B.V.