Tendencies in Radiation Oncology Study
The discipline of radiation oncology is undergoing rapid development and is a crucial component of cancer treatment. Rapid developments in enhanced imaging tools and a better knowledge of cancer biology promote innovation and the development of new treatment methods. These developments enable radiation oncologists to design more patient-centered treatments and to make greater use of current resources and technologies.
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of cancer patients is projected to increase dramatically, while the number of radiation oncology experts is projected to expand from around 140 to 280. However, the future demand for radiation oncology care will exceed the supply of physicians. To satisfy the growing demand, further research is required to identify how to increase the number of radiation oncologists and therapeutic services.
Radiation treatment is intended to ease symptoms. Radiotherapy has been used to alleviate cancer symptoms since the late 1800s. The 20th century’s advancements in radiation dose and administration have made radiotherapy a highly effective palliative treatment. Currently, palliative radiation oncology is a specialization with its criteria. Symptom alleviation, local tumor management, and perhaps a cure are the objectives of palliative radiation.
Cancer mapping is a crucial component of radiotherapy. It assists in determining where the radiation should be administered and how much radiation should be delivered to the surrounding tissues. Multiple imaging modalities are utilized in 4D conformal radiation treatment, the recommended approach for mapping. This allows the physician to define the target exactly from many perspectives.
In radiation oncology, the discovery of novel radiopharmaceuticals is another trend. These medications can specifically target cancer cells, reducing collateral damage and enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy. For example, combining lutetium Lu 177-dotatate with triazine, a drug that stops cells from producing specific molecules required for DNA repair, is a novel and promising combination.
Proton beam radiation treatment targets the tumor using protons. Because these photons travel through the body, illuminating the tissue in front of and behind the tumor. This therapy strategy enables physicians to send radiation to cancer with far less risk to the surrounding healthy tissue. Additionally, it permits patients to get high-dose radiation. As a result, chemotherapy has become one of the most common cancer treatments.
A radiation oncologist will analyze the patient’s health and select the optimal treatment technique before radiation therapy. This entails evaluating the patient’s medical history and prior test findings to determine the exact location to treat. The radiation therapist then utilizes imaging scans to define the treatment field and precise radiation beam placements.
In radiation oncology, technological advancements have contributed to the field’s increased efficacy. Many facilities, for instance, provide the exact extreme dosage to a primary tumor that has disseminated to lymph nodes. In addition, the most significant consensus network, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, has recently revised its standards. These recommendations are based on the experiences of cancer centers worldwide. However, whether or not to administer more significant dosages to larger tumor volumes remains unresolved.
Before treatment, CT scans help reduce the impact of radiation on nearby tissues. Using CT images, a radiation oncologist can alter the patient’s posture during therapy to minimize harm to normal tissue. The radiation oncologist may also be able to refocus the radiation beam on the tumor using this method.
The development of molecular radiotherapy is a required field of study and development. The phases of radiation diagnosis and treatment are being transformed by 3D printing. Extensive research is being conducted on 3D-printable materials to increase the quality and safety of 3D-printed radiotherapy materials. Furthermore, these materials can play an essential role in treating patients. Radiation oncology is undergoing an exciting period.
FLASH-RT is an innovative therapy method that decreases radiation-induced tissue damage. In addition, this treatment procedure is 400 times quicker than traditional radiation. Eventually, it may become the primary radiation method used in clinical settings. This approach has been used to treat T-cell cutaneous lymphoma, for instance.
