Professional
Technical
IVT
planning target volume
Also written as: PTV — Planning Target Volume
The clinical target volume plus margins to account for patient setup uncertainties and organ motion.
Full Definition
The planning target volume (PTV) is a geometric concept designed to ensure that the prescribed dose is delivered to the clinical target volume despite uncertainties in patient positioning, organ motion, and beam delivery. The PTV encompasses the CTV plus additional margins that account for systematic and random errors in treatment setup and delivery. These margins are institution-specific and depend on immobilization techniques, imaging protocols, and treatment delivery methods.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from CTV in treatment planning documentation.
In Context
- "A 5mm margin was added to the CTV to create the planning target volume." — Treatment summary report
- "The PTV received 95% of the prescribed dose according to departmental protocols." — Treatment plan evaluation
Also known as
PTV
Don't confuse with
clinical target volume
internal target volume