Uncertainties in target volume delineation in radiotherapy

Modern radiotherapy techniques enable delivery of high doses to the target volume without escalating dose to organs at risk, offering the possibility of better local control while preserving good quality of life. Uncertainties in target volume delineation have been demonstrated for most tumour sites, and various studies indicate that inconsistencies in target volume delineation may be larger than errors in all other steps of the treatment planning and delivery process. The aim of this paper is to summarize the degree of delineation uncertainties for different tumour sites reported in the literature and review the effect of strategies to minimize them. Conclusions. Our review confirmed that interobserver variability in target volume contouring represents the largest uncertainty in the process for most tumour sites, potentially resulting in a systematic error in dose delivery, which could influence local control in individual patients. For most tumour sites the optimal combination of imaging modalities for target delineation still needs to be determined. Strict use of delineation guidelines and protocols is advisable both in every day clinical practice and in clinical studies to diminish interobserver variability. Continuing medical education of radiation oncologists cannot be overemphasized, intensive formal training on interpretation of sectional imaging should be included in the program for radiation oncology residents

Poročilo z 21. onkološkega vikenda

No abstract.Ni abstrakta

The rising incidence of obesity

Rak endometrija je v zahodnem svetu najpogostejši ginekološki rak. Debelost je eden glavnih rizičnih faktorjev za razvoj raka endometrija. V zahodnem svetu se incidenca debelosti epidemično strmo povečuje. 10 % bolnic z rakom endometrija je zaradi debelosti oziroma pridruženih bolezni nesposobnih za primarno operativno zdravljenje. Alternativa je zdravljenje z obsevanjem. V članku navajamo nekaj novejših spoznanj s področja obsevanja raka endometrija in dokaze, da je tovrstno zdravljenje lahko enakovredno kirurškemu