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Review
. 2023 Dec;20(4):255-262.
doi: 10.5114/kitp.2023.134132. Epub 2024 Jan 11.

Radiotherapy for tumors of the mediastinum - state of the art

Ioanna Kantzou  1 , Georgios Sarris  1 , Vasileios Kouloulias  2 , Ioannis Abatzoglou  3 , Vasileios Leivaditis  4 , Konstantinos Grapatsas  5 , Efstratios Koletsis  6 , Athanasios Papatriantafyllou  4 , Manfred Dahm  4 , Admir Mulita  3 , Francesk Mulita  7 , Nikolaos Baltayiannis  8
Affiliations
Review

Radiotherapy for tumors of the mediastinum - state of the art

Ioanna Kantzou et al. Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Mediastinal tumors encompass a diverse range of malignancies, originating within or spreading to the mediastinum. The administration of radiotherapy within the anatomical confines of the mediastinum presents unique challenges owing to the close proximity of critical organs, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and spinal cord. However, recent progress in imaging techniques, treatment modalities, and our understanding of tumor biology has significantly contributed to the development of effective and safe therapeutic strategies for mediastinal diseases. This review article aims to explore the latest innovations in radiotherapy and their practical applications in the management of mediastinal tumors, with a primary focus on lymphomas, thymomas, and thymic carcinomas. By examining these advancements, we seek to provide valuable insights into the current state of the art in radiotherapy for mediastinal malignancies, ultimately fostering improved patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.

Keywords: lymphoma; mediastinum; primary tumors; radiotherapy; thymic carcinoma; thymoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Clinical target volume (CTV) of a cervical tumor in complete response (CR) after chemotherapy. A – Pre-chemotherapy computed tomography (CT) scan. B – Contouring of the initial tumor volume (yellow color). C – CTV contouring takes into account the initial tumor volume on the postchemotherapy CT scan (green color)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Radiation therapy for thymoma. 3-dimensional contouring of PTV and organs at risk
Figure 3
Figure 3
Radiation therapy for thymoma. Contouring and dose distribution
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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