Modern radiation treatment planning and delivery--from Röntgen to real time.
The field of radiation oncology has advanced exponentially since the discovery of X-rays just over 100 years ago. With the advent of three-dimensional treatment planning, the therapeutic index was increased by dose escalation and more accurate shielding of normal tissues. Now, even greater advances are under way with IMRT, image-guided radiation therapy, delineation and control of organ motion, and real-time imaging. Similarly, the use of particle therapies such as protons has the potential to effect even more accurate dose distributions. Clinical studies investigating these modalities will likely further increase the efficacy of radiation in years to come.
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Suite 545, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Ryan P
RP
Smith
Dwight E
DE
Heron
M Saiful
MS
Huq
Ning J
NJ
Yue
D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods