Radiobiological Models of Tissue Response to Radiation in Treatment Planning Systems

Abstract

Aims To present several biological concepts and models of tissue response to fractionated radiotherapy. To describe practical implementation of these models in three-dimensional treatment planning systems. Methods Models of cell survival, Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD) and Tumor Control Probability (TCP) are discussed. These models are based on the target-cell hypothesis which assumes that response of organs and tissues to radiation therapy can be explained and mathematically described in terms of survival of the specific target-cells. Results Several formulae for deriving and calculating EUD and TCP for a given three-dimensional dose distribution are presented and discussed. Conclusions Biological models of tissue response to radiation, when used wisely, have a potential to be useful in radiation therapy treatment planning. The models can advance our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms, and may help in designing new and better treatment strategies. They should be particularly useful in modern conformai radiotherapy where treatment strategy for each patient can be individualized and optimized according to patient characteristics and available technology of delivering sophisticated treatment plans.