Palliative Radiation Therapy Utilization of Advanced Technologies Volume 1

Edited by Alysa M. Fairchild, this book explores the evolving definition of palliative-intent radiation therapy (RT) and its application in advanced radiotherapeutic technologies.

Advanced Technologies in Palliative Radiation Therapy

Traditionally, intensity-modulated RT and image-guidance were reserved for curative treatments. However, these advanced technologies are now being used in conjunction with conventional RT to deliver highly conformal radiation, surgery, or systemic therapy.

With improving median survival rates for many primary cancer histologies, reirradiation is becoming a common scenario. Treatment decisions must take into account individualized considerations of symptom burden, extent of disease, life expectancy, performance status, comorbidities, toxicity, prior treatment, and patient wishes.

Optimizing Palliative Radiation Therapy

Despite comprising up to 50% of a department’s workload, research on the optimal use of palliative RT is underrepresented. This book reviews the state of the art in palliative radiation therapy across all disease sites, discussing available evidence supporting the use of advanced technologies and related clinical and dosimetric outcomes.

With contributions from over 60 international experts from three continents, this comprehensive resource covers:

• Historical overviews highlighting lessons learned from past experience and techniques
• Generalizable excerpts from the curative setting where specific palliative literature does not exist
• Key practice points pertinent to management approaches and decisions, treatment planning, and clinical pearls
• Emerging techniques such as stereotactic radiation and clinical settings like oligometastases
• Patient-reported outcomes including quality of life and toxicity
• Clinical trial methodology applicable to palliative RT, prognostication, health services research, and the interface of radiation oncology with palliative care in the 21st century

A Comprehensive Resource for Radiation Oncologists

This book provides a foundational chapter reviewing advanced technologies, followed by sections on their use in each primary cancer site. A concluding chapter offers an overview of clinical contexts in which conventional radiation therapy or best supportive care may be favored.

With 326 pages of expert insights and evidence-based information, this book is an essential resource for radiation oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals seeking to optimize palliative radiation therapy for their patients.