Radiation oncology as a complex adaptive system.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Radiation oncology (RO) is increasingly recognized as a complex system characterized by the intricate interplay of professionals, patients, technology, and environmental factors. However, systematic methods to assess the interconnectivity in RO remain limited, leading to potential oversimplifications of this multifaceted field. This study quantitatively assesses evolving complexity and nonlinearity in radiation oncology using system-thinking tools. The goal is to create a measurable framework to guide adaptive management in clinical practice.

Methods

Using Shannon Entropy, we analyze the evolving complexity in RO. Dynamic system simulations, including adapted predator-prey models and the SimPy discrete-event simulation library, are utilized to study nonlinearity a

SUBMITTER: Bakhtiari M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855133 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature