Radiation medicine innovations for the new millenium.
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.
Heron
Dwight E
DE
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Godette
Karen D
KD
Wynn
Ray A
RA
Arterbery
V Elayne
VE
Streeter
Oscar A
OA
Roach
Mack
M
Simpson
Joseph R
JR
Blough
Melissa
M
Thomas
Charles R
CR
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