Intensity-modulated radiation therapy in gynecologic malignancies: current status and future directions.
Radiation therapy is used as either definitive or adjuvant therapy following surgery in many gynecologic malignancies. Though effective, radiation therapy is limited by the adverse sequelae that result from normal tissues receiving external-beam radiation. A novel approach, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, can overcome these limitations by sparing the tissue surrounding the malignancy through conforming the dose to the shape of the target in three dimensions. This review provides an overview of current use, published research, and ongoing studies of intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
Kochanski
Joel D
JD
Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, IL, USA.
Mell
Loren K
LK
Roeske
John C
JC
Mundt
Arno J
AJ
D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed