Risks of radiation treatment

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Published: 3 Jun 2011
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Prof Ritsuko Komaki – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas, USA
Prof Komaki discusses the development of new kinds of radiation treatment and explains the results of her study comparing 3d conformal radiation treatment, IMRT and proton beam therapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Proton beam therapy is the most effective as much larger areas can be treated and by adjusting the energy it’s possible to be very precise which prevents a low dose of radiation to the whole body. Prof Komaki concludes with the message that the cost of this treatment will eventually become much less and we will be able to prolong the lives of patients with lung cancer as well as improving their quality of life by avoiding normal tissue damage.