CT simulation for radiotherapy treatment planning.

The present status of CT simulation (CT sim) hardware, software and practice is reviewed, particularly with regard to the changes that have taken place over the last 5 years. The latest technology is discussed together with some recently developed techniques. The article concludes with a discussion of virtual simulation vs physical (conventional) simulation; in particular there is a review of the changes that have been made to the "Disadvantages table" presented by Conway and Robinson [1], which now make CT sim an attractive system for any radiotherapy department.