Advances in radiation therapy

Abstract

Unbelievable progress in radiotherapy is currently being made. There are two aspects of this improvement. The first is the incredible technological development. The radiotherapeutic workshop has been enriched by new, precise planning methods which make use of three-dimensional imaging, such as IMRT, IGRT, ADRT, and many others. Correct and precise imaging of irradiated structures plays the most important role in the pretreatment process. Also, imaging should be of the best achievable quality. Parallel advances in computers have also influenced imaging technologies. The second factor is the change in the perception of radiotherapeutic implementations in oncological treatment. We now observe highly specialized treatment targeted to the particular type of tumor. A tumor's location and its biology determine the choice of the right treatment method and the prime therapeutic equipment. Modified radiotherapy sequences in some treatment schedules is taken into consideration as well as its concurrent or sequential use with chemotherapy. Better therapeutic results are being achieved due to the concurrent use of radiotherapy (additive effect) and chemotherapy (radio-potentiating effect). It is no wonder that these new treatment plans are being increasingly incorporated into medical oncological practice. © Copyright by Silesian Piasts University of Medicine in Wrocław.