Further experience with radiotherapy by multiple daily sessions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Clinical Radiation Therapy

Background:

• Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment.
• Conventional fractionation schedules involve longer intervals between sessions.
• Exploring alternative fractionation schedules is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy and patient tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical feasibility and outcomes of frequent daily radiotherapy sessions with a short overall treatment time.
• To assess the tolerance of various anatomical sites (skin, breast, chest wall, neck, lung, pelvis) to this intensified radiotherapy regimen.
• To describe tumor responses and compare the therapeutic ratio of this approach to conventional fractionation.

Main Methods:

• Treatment of over 100 patients since 1972 using Cobalt 60 teletherapy and 250 kV X-ray beams.
• Administration of frequent daily radiotherapy sessions within a short overall time frame.
• Application of radical or palliative dosages tailored to patient needs.

Main Results:

• Frequent daily radiotherapy sessions were found to be clinically possible and often advantageous.
• Tolerance of skin, breast, chest wall, neck, lung, and pelvis to these regimes was discussed.
• Tumor responses were described, indicating efficacy of the treatment approach.

Conclusions:

• Radiotherapy delivered in multiple daily sessions over a short overall time is a viable clinical option.
• This intensified fractionation strategy offers potential advantages without compromising the therapeutic ratio.
• The findings support the consideration of frequent daily radiotherapy as an effective treatment modality.