Abstract
Beginning with the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895 and the subsequent application of X-rays for cancer treatment in 1896, the narrative unfolds through the advancements in radiation therapy modalities.
The discussion covers External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT), including various techniques like 3D-CRT, IMRT, IGRT, stereotactic radiotherapy, and proton therapy. Emerging technologies such as Tomotherapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), Carbon Ion Therapy, and Brachytherapy are explored, offering tailored approaches for different cancer types.
The article delves into the history and advancements of brachytherapy, highlighting its techniques like intracavitary, interstitial, and HDR surface mould brachytherapy. The continuous pursuit of precision, efficacy, and reduced side effects in cancer treatment is evident throughout the narrative.
The article emphasizes the crucial role of radiation therapy, employing various ionizing radiation types, in targeting and eradicating cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. The ongoing quest for advancements in technology and techniques reflects the commitment to improving cancer treatment outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive overview of radiation therapy's historical evolution and current state in cancer treatment
Keywords: Radiotherapy, EBRT, Brachytherapy, IMRT, SRS, IGRT, Proton therapy.
References
- [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jan 19]. Available from: https://aacrjournals-org-443.vpnm.ccmu.edu.cn/cancerres/article-pdf/69/2/383/2615650/383.pdf
- Koka K, Verma A, Dwarakanath BS, Papineni RV. Technological advancements in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT): An indispensable tool for cancer treatment. Cancer Management and Research 2022; Volume 14:1421–9. doi:10.2147/cmar. s351744.
- Gianfaldoni S, Gianfaldoni R, Wollina U, Lotti J, Tchernev G, Lotti T. An overview on radiotherapy: From its history to its current applications in dermatology. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences 2017; 5:521–5. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.122.
- Garibaldi C, Jereczek-Fossa BA, Marvaso G, Dicuonzo S, Rojas DP, Cattani F, et al. Recent advances in radiation oncology. ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11. doi:10.3332/ecancer.2017.785
- Connell PP, Hellman S. Advances in radiotherapy and implications for the next century: A historical perspective. Cancer Research. 2009;69(2):383–92. doi:10.1158/0008-
- Lilley J, Murray LJ. Radiotherapy: Technical aspects. Medicine. 2023;51(1):11–6. doi: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2022.10.003
- [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jan 19]. Available from: https://aacrjournals-org-443.vpnm.ccmu.edu.cn/cancerres/article-pdf/69/2/383/2615650/383.pdf
- Gianfaldoni S, Gianfaldoni R, Wollina U, Lotti J, Tchernev G, Lotti T. An overview on radiotherapy: From its history to its current applications in dermatology. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2017;5(4):521–5. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.122
- Shirato H, Le Q-T, Kobashi K, Prayongrat A, Takao S, Shimizu S, et al. Selection of external beam radiotherapy approaches for precise and accurate cancer treatment. Journal of Radiation Research. 2018;59(suppl_1): i2–10. doi:10.1093/jrr/rrx092
- Thwaites DI, Tuohy JB. Back to the future: The history and development of the Clinical LINAC. Physics in Medicine and Biology. 2006;51(13). doi:10.1088/0031-9155/51/13/r20
- Gibbons JP, Khan FM. Khan’s the physics of radiation therapy. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2020.
- Thwaites DI, Tuohy JB. Back to the future: The history and development of the Clinical LINAC. Physics in Medicine and Biology. 2006;51(13). doi:10.1088/0031-9155/51/13/r20
- Smith L. LINACs [Internet]. Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 1970 [cited 2024 Jan 21]. Available from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-45926-9_7
- Taylor A. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy - what is it? Cancer Imaging. 2004;4(2):68–73. doi:10.1102/1470-7330.2004.0003
- Rehman J ur, Zahra, Ahmad N, Khalid M, Noor ul Huda Khan Asghar HM, Gilani ZA, et al. Intensity modulated radiation therapy: A review of current practice and future outlooks. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences. 2018;11(4):361–7. doi: 10.1016/j.jrras.2018.07.006
- DiBiase SJ, Jacobs SC. Does radiation therapy really work for prostate cancer? Prostate Cancer. 2003;377–86. doi:10.1016/b978-012286981-5/50042-2
- Mackie TR. History of tomotherapy. Physics in Medicine and Biology. 2006;51(13). doi:10.1088/0031-9155/51/13/r24
- Tsang MW. Stereotactic body radiotherapy: Current strategies and future development. Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2016;8(S6). doi:10.21037/jtd.2016.03.14
- Rahman M, Murad GJ, Mocco J. Early history of the stereotactic apparatus in Neurosurgery. Neurosurgical Focus. 2009;27(3). doi:10.3171/2009.7. focus09118
- Liu H, Chang JY. Proton therapy in clinical practice. Chinese Journal of Cancer. 2011;30(5):315–26. doi:10.5732/cjc.010.10529
- Nedunchezhian K. Boron neutron capture therapy - A literature review. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH. 2016; doi:10.7860/jcdr/2016/19890.9024
- Jin WH, Seldon C, Butkus M, Sauerwein W, Giap HB. A review of Boron neutron capture therapy: Its history and current challenges. International Journal of Particle Therapy. 2022;9(1):71–82. doi:10.14338/ijpt-22-00002.1
- Tsujii H. Overview of carbon-ion radiotherapy. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2017; 777:012032. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/777/1/012032
- Lim YK, Kim D. Brachytherapy: A comprehensive review. Progress in Medical Physics. 2021;32(2):25–39. doi:10.14316/pmp.2021.32.2.25
- GARZOTTO M, FAIR WR. Historical perspective on prostate brachytherapy. Journal of Endourology. 2000;14(4):315–8. doi:10.1089/end.2000.14.315
- Kemikler G. History of brachytherapy. Turkish Journal of Oncology. 2019; doi:10.5505/tjo.2019.1
- Cancer Resources from OncoLink | Treatment R. Intracavitary brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers – tandem and ovoid or Ring [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jan 21]. Available from: https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/radiation/types-of-radiation-therapy/brachytherapy-for-gynecologic-cancers/intracavitary-brachytherapy-for-gynecologic-cancers-tandem-and-ovoid-or-ring
- Holm HH. The history of interstitial brachytherapy of prostatic cancer. Seminars in Surgical Oncology. 1997;13(6):431–7. doi:10.1002/(sici)1098-2388(199711/12)13:6< 431: aid-ssu7>3.0.co;2-b
- Sabbas AM, Kulidzhanov FG, Presser J, Hayes MK, Nori D. HDR brachytherapy with surface applicators: Technical considerations and dosimetry. Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment. 2004;3(3):259–67. doi:10.1177/153303460400300304
Corresponding Author
Hrishikesh Kashyap
Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Guwahati, Changsari, Assam-781101, India