Modern radiotherapy. Does the GP have a role?
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy has advanced dramatically in the last 20 years.


OBJECTIVE
This article describes the basic biology of radiotherapy, which has led to models being produced that predict for outcome and side effects. Technical innovations allow for better tumour localisation and dose delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy has an important role in the multi-disciplinary care of the cancer patient and early involvement of a radiation oncologist may help optimise an individual patient's care.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales.
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MacLeod
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Jackson
D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010819:Physician's Role; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends