Open AccessA new homogeneity index based on statistical analysis of the dose–volume histogram
Author(s) -
Yoon Myonggeun,
Park Sung Yong,
Shin Dongho,
Lee Se Byeong,
Pyo Hong Ryull,
Kim Dae Yong,
Cho Kwan Ho
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied clinical medical physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.83
H-Index - 48
ISSN - 1526-9914
DOI - 10.1120/jacmp.v8i2.2390
Subject(s) - homogeneity (statistics) , mathematics , dose volume histogram , histogram , standard deviation , statistics , nuclear medicine , radiation therapy , medicine , radiation treatment planning , computer science , radiology , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics)
The goal of the present study was to develop a new dose–volume histogram (DVH)– based homogeneity index for effectively evaluating the dose homogeneity of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy plans. The new index, called the sigma‐index (“ S ‐index”) is defined as the standard deviation of the normalized differential DVH curve. In a study of 16 patients with brain tumors at our institution, the S ‐index was found to vary from 0.80 to 3.15. Our results showed that the S ‐index provides a more reliable and accurate measure of dose homogeneity than that given by conventional methods. A guideline for evaluating the dose homogeneity of treatment plans based on the S ‐index and its relation to equivalent uniform dose is discussed. PACS numbers: 87.53.Xd, 87.53.Tf