Technical advances in radiotherapy of head and neck tumors

Technical advances in the irradiation of head and neck neoplasia have inclu ded increased energies for photon delivery, three-dimensional treatment pla nning, and the routine incorporation of both CT and magnetic resonance imag ing into the planning process. Teletherapy has taken these advances further with the refinement of stereotactic radiosurgical techniques, making possi ble very precise (millimeter-accuracy) irradiation, both on a single and fr actionated basis. particle (largely proton or neutron) radiotherapy improve s on conventional photon irradiation by increasing targeting accuracy (prot on) or radiobiologic Efficacy (neutron). Radioimmunotherapy and brachythera py seek to also improve accuracy through the direct installation of radioac tive isotopes into tissues or surgically placed sources. With these modalit ies delivering increased doses, local control of head and neck neoplasia is being increased and systemic toxicities remain equal or decline.