Multicenter comparison of different total body irradiation techniques - Results from the DGMP Working group...

Total body irradiation (TBI) plays a central role in the treatment of hematooncologic diseases. Due to the large size and heterogeneous nature of the target volume, various irradiation techniques have been developed to ensure a homogeneous dose distribution and accurate dose delivery. In this paper, 22 treatment centers in Germany and Switzerland were asked to present their respective irradiation approaches. In total, four different main techniques, which can be further divided for performing TBI, were identified. This review outlines these methods and discusses clinically relevant aspects associated with each approach. The aim is to provide an overview of current practices and to serve as a decision-making aid for institutions considering or undergoing a transition in their TBI technique. All presented techniques are feasible and clinically effective; however, intensity-modulated approaches appear to be gaining increasing importance.