[Advances in the clinical application of quantum and electron irradiation (author's transl)]

The technical perequisites for irradiation with fast electrons and high-energy photons are described in the introduction and the physical and biological development of megavoltage therapy is discussed. The role of exact treatment planning is mentioned and new developments avising from introduction of ultrasound and computer-dosimetry are demonstrated. Finally, emphasis is placed on the progress actieved with modern radiotherapeutic in the treatment of tumours in certain selected clinical fields, which appear suited to the application of electron- and photon-beam therapy. Further improvement in therapeutic results is expected with the introduction of chemotherapeutic agents, radiation sensitizers and combined surgical-radiotherapeutic biological methods. The importance of collaboration amongst various suspecialities engaged in oncology is stressed.