title: Radiation medicine innovations for the new millenium.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review technological advances in the field of radiation oncology in the management of benign and malignant diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed major advances in the field of radiation oncology in the past decade with special emphasis on reduction of treatment related toxicities, and technological improvements in planning and delivery of radiation. Modalities reviewed include computerized three-dimensional conformal treatment planning, stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, ultrasound-guided transperineal permanent brachytherapy of the prostate, and high-dose rate brachytherapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There have been major technological advances as evidenced by a decrease in treatment-related toxicities and better target definition resulting in higher local control rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant improvements in technique and equipment have firmly positioned radiotherapy as major artillery in the fight against both benign and malignant diseases.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Dwight E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Heron
authors.forename: Karen D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Godette
authors.forename: Ray A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wynn
authors.forename: V Elayne
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Arterbery
authors.forename: Oscar A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Streeter
authors.forename: Mack
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roach
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blough
authors.forename: Charles R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000639:trends; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000639:trends; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000639:trends