EL-6 - Development of radiation therapy techniques including intensity-modulated radiation therapy

Abstract

Recently, development of radiation therapy (RT) techniques is remarkable depending on the advanced computer technology. This technical innovation changed the treatment planning from 2D to 3D treatment planning using a 3D treatment planning system. 3D-conformal RT (3D-CRT) allow us to calculate and optimize the radiation dose received by the tumor as well as adjacent normal tissues. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) is an advanced form of 3D-CRT that changes the intensity of radiation in different parts of a single radiation beam while the treatment is delivered. IMRT relies upon computer control capabilities to maximize the delivery of radiation to the tumor while minimizing radiation to normal tissues outside the target. Stereotactic RT can deliver high dose radiation to a small focused area in one or a very limited number of fractions. Stereotactic radiosurgery refers to the use of this approach for intracranial treatments, whereas stereotactic body RT refers to the treatment of extracranial sites such as lung and liver since introduction of the image-guided radiation therapy and 4D radiotherapy enable us to manage of respiratory organ motion. Development of particle therapy such as proton therapy and carbon ion therapy having a Bragg peak is underway. In this educational session, I would like to talk about the development of RT techniques and current status of the therapeutic development.