Delineation of organs at risk

Abstract

The delineation of organs at risk is the basis of radiotherapy oncologists' work. Indeed, the knowledge of this delineation enables to better identify the target volumes and to optimize dose distribution, involving the prognosis of the patients but also their future. The learning of this delineation must continue throughout the clinician's career. Some contour changes have appeared with better imaging, some volumes are now required due to development of knowledge of side effects. In addition, the increasing survival time of patients requires to be more systematic and precise in the delineations, both to avoid complications until now exceptional but also because re-irradiations are becoming more and more frequent. We present the update of the recommendations of the French Society for Radiation Oncology (SFRO) on new findings or adaptations to volumes at risk.

Keywords: Contouring; Delineation; Délinéation; French Society for Radiation Oncology; Guidelines; Organ at risk; Organe à risque; Radiation therapy; Radiothérapie; Recommandations; Société française de radiothérapie oncologique.