Conformal radiation treatment: a critical appraisal

Significant technical advances have improved the precision of radiation treatment of human malignancies and permitted dose-escalation studies. However, a number of challenges remain, particularly in the clinical and radiobiological aspects of radiotherapy. Even with these deficiencies, it is likely that improved overall treatment results will be forthcoming with 3DCRT. Nevertheless, the cost-effectiveness of this approach needs to be assessed, based on the magnitude of the improvement in the treatment of various disease sites.