Abstract

Radiation techniques for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease have evolved dramatically in the past century. Shortly after the discovery of X-rays, the lymphomas in general, and Hodgkin's disease in particular, were noted to be radiosensitive. However, equipment limitations restricted the ability to administer sufficient doses to adequate depth to ensure long-term control. This situation improved sequentially with the development of the Coolidge tube, (60)Co machine, and medical linear accelerators. With megavoltage radiation it was possible to demonstrate cures of stage I-II disease with high-dose extended-field irradiation. When combined modality therapy programs were introduced, this permitted restriction of radiation fields and doses in order to decrease toxicity. Innovative advanced technologies such as PET simulation, 3-D treatment planning, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, active breathing control, and proton therapy have further improved the outcomes for patients treated with irradiation.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s10147-013-0556-3

View details for Web of Science ID 000320456500002

View details for PubMedID 23575469