[Variations in kidney location and consequences for the radiotherapy of kidney neoplasms in the optimization of irradiation planning].

Related to the discussion of optimal radiotherapy planning for the treatment of intrathoracal and intraabdominal tumors being located near the diaphragm, the question arises all over again, if the tumor or the former tumor-bed really are completely encompassed by treatment fields if the patient's topography has changed during a series of irradiations. Using a therapy simulator, the variations of the situs of kidneys are investigated in 20 patients. Changes of the location, which ought to be considered for radiotherapy treatment planning, are observed while changing from dorsal to abdominal position or due to exspiration and inspiration. Hence, consequences result concerning the precision of irradiation planning especially with regard to the sound kidney to be spared. Altogether, a better adjustment to individual features of the topographical correlations is realized. The accurate encompassment of the target volume and the careful sparing of the sound kidney resulting therefrom are justifying that much time must be spent on irradiation planning.