[Semi-deep radiotherapy under high-kilovoltage conditions]

The semi-deep radiotherapy, performed by high-kilovoltage technique, fills a gap between superficial and megavolttherapy, as it renders possible an irradiation in focal depth of 2--4 cm, while largely preserving the deep underlying tissue. Besides which, every form of radiotherapy can be used, as under conventinal conditions. A further advantage exists in the markedly greater skin tolerance and in the low bone absorption of high-kilovoltage radiation, so that much higher focal doses can be achieved. This means that--in superficial processes--the high-voltage technique can replace the much more expensive therapy with accelerated electrons. The RT 305 equipment for high-voltage technique can be especially recommended for the following indications: 1. Skin and limph node metastases as well as tumors and metastases which are not situated deeper than 5 cm below the skin surface. Hereby, thean be exposed up to 8000 R, by small or medium cone. At the same time, in comparison to conventional X-ray therapy, the deep tissue is largely preserved. 2. Postoperative radiotherapy of tumors situated right under the skin. 3. Radiotherapy of inoperable breast cancer. 4. Irradiation of relapses on pre-exposed skin. 5. We assume that the high-voltage technique is also suitable for primary radiotherapy of larynx carcinomas, although we have no personal experience of this. 6. The palliative irradiation of deep tumors with the RT 305, due to its preservation of the skin and the relatively low bone absorption, can be performed more easily than with conventional X-ray therapy. The method of choice, however, is the megavolt-therapy. 7. Degenerative diseases and arthroses.