What does a DVH in integral form for OAR indicate?

A dose-volume histogram (DVH) in integral form for an organ at risk (OAR) provides critical information about the distribution of dose received by that organ. Specifically, it illustrates the percentage of the OAR that is receiving at least a particular dose level. This information is essential in radiation therapy, as it helps dosimetrists and oncologists assess the potential impact of the treatment on surrounding healthy tissues, maximizing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects.

In clinical practice, understanding the DVH for OARs allows treatment planning to focus on reducing the dose to these sensitive areas. For example, if a significant portion of an OAR receives a high dose, adjustments can be made to the treatment plan to protect the organ, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment outcomes. Evaluating the cumulative dose received can be critical for making decisions regarding treatment modifications or the feasibility of proposed treatment techniques, which is why the cumulative health effects from previous treatments are also important considerations. However, in the context of integral DVH specifically for OARs, it primarily focuses on assessing the dose threshold's effect on a defined volume of the organ.