Augmenting the therapeutic window of radiotherapy: A perspective on molecularly targeted therapies and nanomaterials

Radiation therapy remains an essential component of cancer therapy for millions of patients annually in the United States and globally. Radiation therapy involves the focal deposition of ionizing radiation (IR) to the tumor and surrounding at-risk tissue compartments such as regional lymph nodes. The most common treatment approaches include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) using high-energy photons, electrons, or protons, as well as brachytherapy and radionuclide therapy. Significant technical advances in EBRT and diagnostic imaging over the past several decades have enabled more localized and precise dose deposition within tumors and greater sparing of adjacent normal tissues; these include intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), integration of MRI and PET imaging into CT-based treatment planning, and advanced motion management strategies during treatment.
Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research