Conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy--clinical data.

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Conformal radiotherapy (CRT) is based on hypotheses linking local control, survival rates, and dose escalation with reduced late effects.
• Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) has advanced significantly but has limitations in complex treatment scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles and advancements in conformal radiotherapy, including 3D-CRT and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
• To evaluate the clinical data supporting CRT, particularly 3D-CRT and IMRT, in various cancer types.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical data and technological advancements in conformal radiotherapy.
• Comparison of 3D-CRT and IMRT capabilities in achieving desired dose distributions.

Main Results:

• Clinical data, though limited, support the advantages of CRT, with dose escalation improving local control in prostate cancer without increased late effects.
• IMRT represents a significant advance over 3D-CRT for prostate cancer and shows encouraging results in head and neck cancers.
• CRT warrants investigation in breast cancer to reduce late effects.

Conclusions:

• 3D-CRT and IMRT offer significant potential for progress in radiotherapy, despite current costs and time requirements.
• Further research should focus on robust optimization criteria integrating clinical and radiobiological data.