Therapy planning aids and computer aided instruction

A system of programs has been developed to utilize a large scale time-sharing computer in radiation therapy treatment planning and in the instruction of residents and technicians. In addition to its use within the medical centre, the system is available for remote use of practising radiologists and therapists throughout the state. The system is centred on an RCA Spectra 70/46 computer. Access is through Hazeltine 2000 video terminals (closed circuit TV compatible), which may be equipped with a Hewlett-Packard 7200A remote plotter. The programs, which include external and interstitial dose calculators and a generalized computer aided instruction system, are written in FORTRAN IV. The system was shown to have a high degree of interactivity, allowing graphic input of a patient information (contours, etc.), a facility for replanning cases and computer aided instruction integrated with the treatment planning system. The extended calculating abilities and large storage area of the computer have been utilized to account for mixed multiple fields and inhomogeneities (shielding, lung, bone, etc.) in the beam paths. The time-sharing nature of the system allows two or more therapists to view the same information simultaneously and consult on the planning of treatment.