[Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT)]

Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is a major technical innovation of radiotherapy. It allows locating the tumor under the linear accelerator just before the irradiation, by direct visualization (3D mode soft tissue) or indirect visualization (2D mode and radio-opaque markers). The technical implementation of IGRT is done by very different complex devices. The most common modality, because available in any new accelerator, is the cone beam CT. The main experiment of IGRT focuses on prostate cancer. Preliminary studies suggest the use of IGRT combined with IMRT should increase local control and decrease toxicity, especially rectal toxicity. In head and neck tumors, due to major deformation, a rigid registration is insufficient and replanning is necessary (adaptive radiotherapy). The onboard imaging delivers a specific dose, needed to be measured and taken into account, in order not to increase the risk of toxicity. Studies comparing different modalities of IGRT according to clinical and economic endpoints are ongoing; to better define the therapeutic indications.