title: [The radiotherapy journey: from information to treatment].
abstract: Radiotherapy is an integral part of the therapeutic arsenal in oncology and it is estimated that two-thirds of cancer patients will receive radiation therapy at some time during the course of their illness. The multiple steps undertaken in radiotherapy are often unknown by the medical profession and the purpose of this article is to trace it. From the decision to implement a radiotherapy treatment, taken by a multidisciplinary team, to the application of ionizing irradiation by the linear accelerator, there are important intermediary steps such as consultation with the radiotherapist, simulation, contouring of the volumes and planning. Setting up a radiotherapy treatment takes time and precision is required at each step. Technologies evolve constantly and we are also systematically looking for treatment optimization. Our goal is to achieve individualized radiotherapy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lennerts
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Coucke
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D057285:Precision Medicine; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards