Advancements in Radiotherapy: Higher Doses with Fewer Treatments

Recent developments in radiotherapy technology have enabled healthcare providers to administer higher radiation doses while reducing the number of treatment sessions. According to a study by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), modern radiotherapy techniques now deliver more precise targeting of tumors, such as those in the spine, lungs, and soft tissues. This precision minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs, thereby enhancing treatment effectiveness.

The research highlights that with improved machine accuracy and advanced planning, clinicians are adopting hypofractionated radiotherapy—where patients receive higher doses in fewer visits. Dr. Andrew Alves from ARPANSA notes that when radiation is accurately targeted, it effectively destroys tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue, although the margin for error remains low. To ensure safety and efficacy, clinics perform comprehensive audits using artificial 'phantoms' to validate the precise delivery of dose and position, often within a margin of ±2 mm and ±5%, respectively.

This approach not only boosts treatment outcomes but also offers significant benefits in patient convenience and resource efficiency. Data shows that about 90,000 patients per year in Australia undergo radiotherapy, with hypofractionation increasing the treatment capacity of clinics. Rhonda Brown, director of the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service, emphasizes that the study's findings can serve as a global benchmark, guiding best practices worldwide.

Overall, the evolution of radiotherapy technology marks a significant step forward in cancer care, providing options for higher efficacy with fewer sessions, better patient quality of life, and optimized resource use.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-modern-radiotherapy-higher-doses-sessions.html