Improving the transparency in fuzzy modelling of radiotherapy margins in cancer treatment

Abstract

This study introduces the novel application of a fuzzy network concept to derive optimal margins for use in the treatment of cancer using external beam radiotherapy. The input data for the model is based on the effects of treatment errors, in terms of delineation, organ motion and patient set-up errors, on tumour coverage and doses to critical organs. A demonstrable improvement in the model transparency is shown by application of the fuzzy network compared to a conventional fuzzy system, whilst the model accuracy is also improved.