Reirradiation: A complex situation

Abstract

Reirradiation of a tumor recurrence or second cancer in a previously irradiated area is challenging due to lack of high-quality physical, radiobiological, clinical data and inherent substantial risks of toxicity with cumulative dose and uncertain tissue recovery. Yet, major advances have been made in radiotherapy techniques, that have the potential to achieve cure while limiting severe toxicity rates, but still much research is necessary to better appraise the therapeutic index in such a complex situation.

Keywords: Brachytherapy; Curiethérapie; Proton therapy; Protonthérapie; Radiation oncology; Radiotherapy; Radiothérapie; Radiothérapie oncologie; Reirradiation; Réirradiation; Selection; Sélection.