Advances in cancer imaging require renewed radiotherapy dose and target volume concepts

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Diagnostic imaging has advanced, offering potential for enhanced cancer therapeutic targeting.
• Current conceptual frameworks for radiotherapy target volume definition and dose prescription lag behind imaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss how modern imaging can inform new concepts for radiotherapy dose prescription and target volume definition.
• To illustrate these concepts using head and neck cancer as an example.
• To explore the potential impact on reducing radiation-induced toxicity and combining radiotherapy with systemic therapies.

Main Methods:

• This is an opinion paper, presenting a conceptual discussion.
• It reviews the potential contributions of modern imaging technologies.
• Case examples, specifically head and neck cancer, are used for illustration.

Main Results:

• Modern imaging offers opportunities to redefine radiotherapy target volumes and dose prescription strategies.
• New approaches can potentially minimize radiation-associated toxicity.
• These advancements may significantly impact the integration of radiotherapy with systemic cancer treatments.

Conclusions:

• There is a need to align radiotherapy planning concepts with advancements in diagnostic imaging.
• Implementing novel imaging-guided strategies can lead to more precise and safer cancer treatments.
• The integration of advanced imaging holds promise for improving patient outcomes in combined-modality cancer therapy.