[Modern radiation therapy]

Duodecim. 2009;125(9):947-58.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

For decades, radiation therapy has constituted one of the main forms of therapy for cancer, and has undergone rapid technical development. New techniques in radiotherapy make it possible to treat a tumor with larger doses than before, while at the same time reducing damage to healthy tissues. The development in imaging techniques has allowed a more precise delimitation of tumors and monitoring of the efficacy of therapy. Three-dimensional tumor delimitation and dose calculation have long been the standard in radiation therapy. Four-dimensional and functional imaging in defining the target area for radiation therapy is becoming part of routine radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiotherapy / trends*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted