Progress In Radiotherapy

Abstract

The 100 years which have elapsed since W.C. Röntgen discovered the x-rays in 1895 have given us a large body of knowledge about the use of ionizing radiation, and also taught us enough to allow for a statement that there is still much room for improvement. Even if it is always difficult to look into the future, it seems today that such improvements in the first hand may imply sophistications of already existing methods. This will not be without impact. For Europe, it is estimated that improvements in radiotherapy will raise the cure rates in all cancer patients by a substantial figure. It is the purpose of this communication to try to describe such future improvements. Another at least equally important factor would be to make this treatment modality available to all patients who are considered to benefit from it.