Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): the radiation oncologist's perspective.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a new and evolving technological advance in high-precision radiation therapy. It is an extension of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) that allows the delivery of highly complex isodose profiles to the target while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues. Clinical data on IMRT are emerging and being collected, as more institutions are implementing or expanding the use of IMRT. However, the currently available IMRT and its applications are far from being well understood and established. In some circumstances, it remains impractical and too costly. This article discusses some practical issues from the radiation oncologist's perspective.
Zhen
Weining
W
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-7521, USA. wzhen@nhsnet.org
Thompson
Robert B
RB
Enke
Charles A
CA
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018579:Patient Selection; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends