Low-Dose radiation therapy for benign pathologies

Abstract

Radiotherapy (RT) has always been a mainstay for malignant tumors therapy, but it is also used for benign pathology. The application of low or intermediate doses of RT has been widely studied. This topic was presented and discussed in the last XX GOCO (Grup Oncològic Català-Occità) meeting. The aim of this article is to review the indications of low dose irradiation (LD-RT), total dose and different fractionations, the public to whom it can be directed, and to offer an analysis about secondary effects. We believe it can be useful not only for radiation oncologists, but for other physicians to consider this option for future patients.

Keywords: Anti-Inflammatory; Anti-Proliferation; Benign; Low dose radiation; Non-Malignant; Radio-Induced cancer risk.

© 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Greater Poland Cancer Centre.

Figures

Fig. 1

This figure shows schematically which molecules take prominenceduring the inflammatory process and after irradiation at low doses.

Fig. 2

This figure shows the planification (with its dosimetry) of a knee osteoarthrosis from a 87 years old man with sever cardiovascular disease. It was offered a LD-RT (6 Gy, 0.6 Gy fractionation) with good long-term results.