Affiliations: [a] European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Data Center, Radiotherapy group, Av. Mounier 83, B1200, Brussels, Belgium | [b] Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou 9, Zografou, Athens, Greece | [c] Dr. Bernard Verbeeten Instituut, Department of Radiotherapy, Tilburg, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Dr. Vassilis Kouloulias (MS, MD, PhD), Institute of Computer and Communication Systems, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Street, Zografos 15773, Athens, Greece. Fax: +3 10 7723 557; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: The desire to develop web-based platforms for remote collaboration among physicians and technologists is becoming a great challenge. In this paper we describe a web-based radiotherapy treatment planning (WBRTP) system to facilitate decentralized radiotherapy services by allowing remote treatment planning and quality assurance (QA) of treatment delivery. Significant prerequisites are digital storage of relevant data as well as efficient and reliable telecommunication system between collaborating units. The system of WBRTP includes video conferencing, display of medical images (CT scans, dose distributions etc), replication of selected data from a common database, remote treatment planning, evaluation of treatment technique and follow-up of the treated patients. Moreover the system features real-time remote operations in terms of tele-consulting like target volume delineation performed by a team of experts at different and distant units. An appraisal of its possibilities in quality assurance in radiotherapy is also discussed. As a conclusion, a WBRTP system would not only be a medium for communication between experts in oncology but mainly a tool for improving the QA in radiotherapy.
