Computer-Controlled Radiation Therapy

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Abstract
Radiation therapy [for cancer] is often hampered in important body regions by the need to transit sensitive normal tissues which act as dose-limiting barriers. Computer-controlled radiation therapy permited the simultaneous variation of multiple treatment parameters during irradiation of the patient, producing improved dose distribution with the potential for improved local control. Equipment used for this purpose included a Mevatron XII linear accelerator, redesigned for automatic control and a PDP 11/45 minicomputer. Dose distributions were shown and potential clinical gains discussed.