[Indications for radiotherapy of benign lesions: yesterday, today and tomorrow]

A better knowledge of the radiobiological effects and the control of the techniques of dosimetry led to a renewed interest for the radiotherapy of the benign lesions. The doses used for these indications are weaker than those recommended for treatment of cancer and the radiobiological mechanisms implied are different. The aim of this review of the literature is to specify the radiobiological mechanisms, the risks and the place of ionizing radiations during the processing of the benign lesions. Although the risk of radiation induced neoplasms remains a limiting factor of the indications, those are very varied. Some indications are well accepted such as keloid, cerebral arteriovenous malformations, graves' ophtalmopathy, prevention of postoperative heterotopic bone formations; and some others remain still controversial such as the prevention of the post angioplasty restenosis and age-related macular degeneration.