Background
How often do significant clinical changes occur between the time a course of radiation therapy is planned, and the time, often months later, the last treatment is given? How many patients would benefit from incorporating information about such changes, the accuracy of delivery, and therapeutic progress, into their treatment plans? The latest generation of radiation therapy delivery devices are all designed around the idea that significant clinical benefits will come from a better understanding of changes within the patient. These devices can provide a staggering quantity of details illustrating anatomic changes and radiation field alignment, heralding new methodologies for radiation therapy collectively called Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). Radiation oncologists are now challenged to find ways to adapt to this new torrent of data, and put it to its best use. Thousands of new images may become available for each patient under treatment. How can doctors integrate such a deluge of detail into a useful clinical picture?
