Diagnostic testing for radiation treatment planning of malignant melanoma with special emphasis on ct scanning

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that malignant melanomas respond better to large individual radiation doses (400–800 rad) than to conventional fractionation. Since the late effects of such treatment fractions are not well established, limitation of dose to normal tissues is desirable. We have used the CT scanner in radiation treatment planning for melanoma patients to achieve this goal.

The value of information obtained by CT scanning as compared to that achieved by conventional radioisotope scans and X-ray studies was reviewed retrospectively. We have observed that the CT scan is most useful in treatment planning of tumors in the abdomen and pelvis. It is also useful for planning accurate reduced fields in the treatment of brain metastasis.