title: Evolution of the techniques of radiation therapy in the management of lymphoma.
abstract: Radiation techniques for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease have evolved dramatically in the past century. Shortly after the discovery of X-rays, the lymphomas in general, and Hodgkin's disease in particular, were noted to be radiosensitive. However, equipment limitations restricted the ability to administer sufficient doses to adequate depth to ensure long-term control. This situation improved sequentially with the development of the Coolidge tube, (60)Co machine, and medical linear accelerators. With megavoltage radiation it was possible to demonstrate cures of stage I-II disease with high-dose extended-field irradiation. When combined modality therapy programs were introduced, this permitted restriction of radiation fields and doses in order to decrease toxicity. Innovative advanced technologies such as PET simulation, 3-D treatment planning, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, active breathing control, and proton therapy have further improved the outcomes for patients treated with irradiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. rhoppe@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Richard T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Hoppe
mesh_terms: D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000266:history / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000266:history / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D061766:Proton Therapy; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000266:history*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated