conformity index
Quantitative measure of how well the prescription dose distribution conforms to the target volume.
Full Definition
The conformity index is a dosimetric metric used to evaluate treatment plan quality by quantifying how precisely the prescription dose distribution matches the shape and extent of the target volume. Various conformity indices have been developed, with the most common being the ratio of the volume receiving the prescription dose to the target volume. A perfect conformity index equals 1.0, indicating ideal dose conformity, while values greater than 1.0 suggest excessive normal tissue irradiation, and values less than 1.0 indicate inadequate target coverage.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CI in technical documentation; spell out in patient reports.
In Context
- "The IMRT plan achieved a conformity index of 1.02, indicating excellent dose conformity." — Treatment plan evaluation report
- "Plan comparison revealed superior conformity index values for the VMAT technique." — Physics planning study