3D naming system.

Technology now allows vast amounts of information to be shared among individuals and applications with great speed. The need for nomenclature that is conducive for clear and accurate communication is critical. This is especially true in medicine, and radiation oncology in particular, where miscommunication can cause significant harm to patients. Frequent sharing of radiation treatment information occurs not only between members within a department, but also between different treatment centers. Physicians share techniques with each other at conferences, in publications, and over the phone. Retrospective investigation may be done evaluating various treatment courses. Descriptions of treatment beams are perhaps the most commonly shared information about a patient's course of treatment in radiation oncology. This paper highlights the advantages of using a 3D naming system to identify treatment beams with unique names.