What do BED and EQD2 values represent in radiation therapy?

BED quantifies the biological effectiveness of a radiation dose schedule, while EQD2 converts that dose to an equivalent total dose delivered in 2 Gy fractions, allowing comparison between different fractionation schemes.

How do I choose the appropriate alpha/beta ratio for my calculation?

The tool provides a reference table of alpha/beta ratios for various organs and tissues, such as prostate (1.1–3.7) and brainstem (2.0–2.1), along with citations to support these ranges.

Can I compare two different treatment plans using this calculator?

Yes, by entering the dose per fraction, number of fractions, and alpha/beta ratio for each plan, the calculator outputs separate BED and EQD2 values that can be directly compared.

Are the alpha/beta ratio reference values based on clinical evidence?

Yes, the site lists reference alpha/beta ranges for common organs at risk and includes citations from radiobiology textbooks and peer-reviewed studies to support the values.

Medical & ClinicalTool Review

BED Calculator

Provided byRadformationradformation.com

This free BED calculator computes biologically effective dose (BED) and equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2). It ...

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About this tool

What BED Calculator does

The BED Calculator on Radformation computes biologically effective dose (BED) and equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) for radiation therapy planning. Users enter the dose per fraction, the number of fractions, and the alpha/beta ratio to receive the BED and EQD2 values in Gy. The tool is designed for clinicians and researchers evaluating treatment plans, and it includes reference alpha/beta ranges for common organs at risk along with citations to support the values used.

Step by step

How to use the Radformation BED Calculator

1
Select the dose per fraction in cGy or Gy
2
Enter the total number of fractions planned
3
Set the alpha/beta ratio or choose from the reference values provided
4
Click Calculate to view the resulting BED and EQD2 in Gy

Is it right for you

Best for

Radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and researchers who need to calculate biologically effective dose and equivalent dose for fractionated treatment plans, particularly when comparing regimens or assessing normal tissue tolerance.

Limitations

Results depend on the linear-quadratic model assumptions
No unit switching beyond cGy and Gy
Alpha/beta ratio inputs are user-entered and not validated against patient-specific data

Questions

BED Calculator FAQ

What do BED and EQD2 values represent in radiation therapy?: BED quantifies the biological effectiveness of a radiation dose schedule, while EQD2 converts that dose to an equivalent total dose delivered in 2 Gy fractions, allowing comparison between different fractionation schemes.
How do I choose the appropriate alpha/beta ratio for my calculation?: The tool provides a reference table of alpha/beta ratios for various organs and tissues, such as prostate (1.1–3.7) and brainstem (2.0–2.1), along with citations to support these ranges.
Can I compare two different treatment plans using this calculator?: Yes, by entering the dose per fraction, number of fractions, and alpha/beta ratio for each plan, the calculator outputs separate BED and EQD2 values that can be directly compared.
Are the alpha/beta ratio reference values based on clinical evidence?: Yes, the site lists reference alpha/beta ranges for common organs at risk and includes citations from radiobiology textbooks and peer-reviewed studies to support the values.

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