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Advances in Oncology for 1962

The Role of Radiotherapy

ALVIN J. NOVACK, MD

Arch Otolaryngol. 1963;77(6):669-672.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

The recent advances in the radiotherapy of malignant disease of the head and neck emphasize five different levels of general investigation.¹ *

1. The radiosensitivity of the tumor cell. The cell type, stage in cell division, oxygen tension, metabolism, and vascularity of the tumor are areas receiving recent analysis.
   
2. The radioresistance of the tumor cell. Changes in the inherent sensitivity of the cell, the tumor bed, and the host-tumor all contribute to a failure of tumor regression during radiotherapy.
   
3. Mechanical factors in radiotherapy. Many current investigators continue to stress the timedose relationship, portals, modality, and the skill of the therapist.
   
4. Indirect effects of irradiation upon the tumor and the host. The subsequent change in the connective tissue stroma, vascularity, and blood morphology continue to receive attention.
   
5. The use of chemical sensitizers or potentiators. Certain drugs are under analysis to increase the effect of irradiation, as well as to protect the host.
   

Author Affiliations
SEATTLE

Footnotes
Received for publication Feb 14, 1963.

This particular portion of the review is taken almost verbatim from the very excellent paper presented as the first reference, and this should be read by all interested in the general concepts of radiotherapy as they apply to oncology.

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