Large-dose fractionation (hypofractionation)

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19850501)55:9+<2105::AID-CNCR2820551412>3.0.CO;2-T· OSTI ID:5643459

Cox, J D

Fractionation is a radiotherapeutic modality that may be manipulated to attempt to improve control of malignant tumors or to decrease effects on normal tissues. In addition, some fractionation regimen must be selected as the basis for addition of any other modality such as radiosensitizers or hyperthermia. Considerable literature derived from clinical experiences with reduced numbers of large fractions has become available in the last 15 years. A review of this literature is focused on tumor control and effects on normal tissues resulting from hypofractionation (fewer than five fractions/week), rapid fractionation (large daily fractions treated five times/week), and rapid split-course regimens that include a rest interval in the course of treatment. The evidence available indicates that a decrease in tumor control is associated with each of these large-dose fractionation approaches. At the same time, late effects on normal tissues are increased as the result of the large-sized fractions. The overall reduction in therapeutic ratio suggests that this avenue of clinical research should no longer be pursued and that such regimens should be adopted with caution for purposes of combining radiosensitizers or hyperthermia. Conversely, clinical research in radiotherapy justifiably can explore the effects of increased numbers of small fractions.

• Research Organization: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
• OSTI ID: 5643459
• Journal Information: Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States), Journal Name: Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States) Vol. 55:Suppl. 9; ISSN CANCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY TEMPERATURE
DISEASES
DOSES
EVALUATION
FRACTIONATED IRRADIATION
HYPERTHERMIA
IRRADIATION
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SYNERGISM
THERAPY
TIME DEPENDENCE