What is the purpose of using transfer CT slices in treatment planning?

Using transfer CT slices in treatment planning serves primarily to visualize patient contours and treatment areas. This visualization is crucial for creating accurate treatment plans, as it allows dosimetrists and radiation oncologists to delineate the target volumes precisely. Contours of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue can be marked based on the anatomy depicted in these slices, enabling tailored treatment strategies that optimize radiation delivery while preserving healthy tissue.

The transfer of information from CT slices helps in forming a three-dimensional representation of the patient's anatomy. This representation is vital for calculating dosage distribution and identifying critical structures that must be spared from excess radiation.

The other options focus on aspects that are less directly related to the primary purpose of transfer CT slices in treatment planning. While assessing tumor response or evaluating past treatments are essential elements of patient care, they are typically conducted through follow-up imaging and clinical evaluation rather than the initial treatment planning phase. Treatment comfort, while important, is not a direct objective of using transfer CT slices in the context of formulating a radiotherapy plan.