The potential role of external beam radiation in preventing restenosis after coronary angioplasty.
The potential role of radiation in the prevention of coronary artery restenosis after angioplasty has generated much recent interest. Animal research and pilot clinical efforts have focused primarily on intraluminal methods of radiation delivery. This article reviews the experience to date with external beam radiation in restenosis prevention and suggests issues that should be considered from the standpoint of both external beam and intravascular radiotherapy. External beam radiation can certainly play an effective role in clinical studies of coronary artery restenosis, and a multicenter randomized trial of external beam radiation after coronary angioplasty has been initiated.
Koh
W J
WJ
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. koh@merry.radonc.washington.edu
Mayberg
M R
MR
Chambers
J
J
Lindsley
K L
KL
Tran
A
A
Rasey
J S
JS
Griffin
T W
TW
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000818:Animals; D001918:Brachytherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D051381:Rats; D012008:Recurrence