The complexity of minimizing the number of shape matrices subject to minimal beam-on time in multileaf collimator field decomposition with bounded fluence

The use of multileaf collimators (MLCs) is a modern way to realize intensity modulated fields in radiotherapy. An important step in the treatment planning is the shape matrix decomposition: the desired fluence distribution, given by an integer matrix, has to be decomposed into a small number shape matrices, i.e. (0,1)-matrices corresponding to the field shapes that can be delivered by the MLC used. The two main objectives are to minimize the total irradiation time, and the number of shape matrices. Assuming that the entries of the fluence matrix are bounded by a constant, we prove that a shape matrix decomposition with minimal number of shape matrices under the condition that the total irradiation time is minimal, can be determined in time polynomial in the matrix dimensions. The results of our algorithm are compared with Engel’s [K. Engel, A new algorithm for optimal multileaf collimator field segmentation, Discrete Appl. Math. 152 (1–3) (2005) 35–51.] heuristic for the reduction of the number of shape matrices.