What is the role of a dose volume histogram (DVH) in radiation therapy?

A dose volume histogram (DVH) is a critical tool in radiation therapy that illustrates the distribution of radiation dose within a target volume as well as surrounding tissues. It graphically represents the percentage of the target volume that receives a specific dose, helping clinicians visualize the dose received by various structures in relation to the prescribed radiation.

The role of the DVH in optimizing treatment plans is paramount. By analyzing the DVH, dosimetrists and radiation oncologists can assess whether the planned radiation dose meets clinical requirements while minimizing exposure to adjacent healthy tissues. This process involves comparing the DVH of different treatment plans and aids in making informed decisions about adjustments to improve the effectiveness and safety of the radiation therapy delivery.

Through the use of DVH, medical professionals can quantify the balance between delivering sufficient dose to the tumor and sparing healthy tissues, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes. Hence, its function in optimizing treatment plans highlights the significance of DVH in achieving both efficacy and safety in radiation therapy.