Medical Health Encyclopedia

Three-dimensional (3-D) conformal radiotherapy involves external-beam radiation that is designed to conform closely to the specific targeted organs or tissues. This allows significantly higher doses to attack the cancer while reducing the risk to healthy cells. In a 2003 report, three-year survival rates in stage IIIA patients were nearly 60%, and nearly half the patients experienced no side effects.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy, an advance on conformal radiation, uses a body frame and an abdominal press to immobilize the patient's body and limit breath movement. This allows a more precise delivery of high-energy photons, which are delivered to the tumor using a linear accelerator. The technique is still investigational.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation can have significant side effects when used as part of intensive treatments, such as hyperfractionated radiotherapy or radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. Among the most serious problems is severe inflammation in the esophagus (esophagitis) or the lungs (pneumonitis). Infection is also a danger.

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The use of targeted approaches, such as conformal radiotherapy may help reduce these complications. Investigators are also studying drugs, notably amifostine, that appear to help reduce throat and lung inflammation caused by radiation without reducing its cancer-fighting effects.