Abstract
In the framework of prostate cancer radiotherapy, finite element (FE) modeling can constitute an efficient tool to predict the pelvic organ motion and deformation in order to deliver doses more accurately and efficiently to the clinical target volume.In the current study, biomechanical models of the male pelvic area have been developed, investigating more specifically the influence of the rectum and bladder distensions on the gland motion. The resort to urodynamic data and mechanical tests has proven to be essential for an accurate prediction of the motion of the pelvic organs.FE simulations accounting for boundary and contact conditions relying on anatomical description yield results of the prostate motion comparable to the measurements done on a deceased person. The differences point toward the need for a more faithful representation of the tissue environment in terms of geometry, boundary conditions, and material properties, including heterogeneity.