Composite radiation dose representation using Fuzzy Set theory

Samuel B. Park, James I. Monroe, Min Yao, Mitchell MacHtay, Jason W. Sohn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Composite plans created from different image sets are generated through Deformable Image Registration (DIR) and present a challenge in accurately presenting uncertainties, which vary with anatomy. Our effort focuses on the application of Fuzzy Set theory to provide an accurate dose representation of such a composite treatment plan. The accuracy of the DIR is generally verified through geometrical visual checks, including the confirmation of the corresponding anatomies with edge features, such as bone or organ boundaries. However, the remaining volume of the image (mostly soft tissues) has few significant image features and therefore greater uncertainty. We fuzzified the deformation vector and derived a fuzzy composite dose. The fuzzification was implemented using Gaussian functions based on the varying uncertainties in the DIR. After establishing the theoretical basis for this new approach, we present two-and three-dimensional examples as proof-of-concept. Using Fuzzy Set theory, composite dose plans displaying locality-based uncertainties were successfully created, providing information previously unavailable to clinicians. Previous to Fuzzy Set dose presentations, clinicians had no measure of confidence in the accuracy of a composite dose plan. Using fuzzified composite dose presentations, clinicians can determine a safe additional dose to previously treated anatomy. This will possibly increase the treatment success rate and reduce the rate of complications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)204-215
Number of pages12
JournalInformation Sciences
Volume187
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Software
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Information Systems and Management
  • Artificial Intelligence

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