Radiation, a mainstay of cancer treatment, begins a fade-out - STAT

Oncologists are increasingly exploring the option of reducing radiation therapy in cancer treatment, as new advancements in cancer therapies and better understanding of patient tumors allow for more precise and effective treatment plans. Studies have shown that omitting radiation from standard therapy does not significantly impact outcomes in certain low-risk or early-stage cancers, such as lymphoma, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. The phasing out of radiation therapy in cancer treatment is happening gradually and specific to certain cancer subtypes. However, radiation will still have a role in curative and palliative treatment plans for higher risk or advanced cancers. The decrease in radiation therapy is also attributed to advances in radiation therapy technologies, such as proton beam therapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy, which allow for safer and more targeted radiation delivery.

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 08:33:37 GMT | STAT