Dr. Stephan Bodis, MD, a Dr. Anton Titov, MD, facilitates this insightful discussion with Dr. Bodis, who shares his extensive experience and research in molecular radiobiology and the application of photon and proton radiotherapy.
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Advancements in Cancer Radiotherapy: From 2D to Precision Medicine
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- Evolution of Radiotherapy Techniques
- Importance of Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment
- Role of Biological Radiosensitizers in Treatment
- Proton Beam Therapy and Its Benefits
- Personalized Treatment Plans and Second Opinions
- Full Transcript
Evolution of Radiotherapy Techniques
Dr. Stephan Bodis, MD, outlines the significant evolution in radiotherapy techniques over the past decades. Initially, two-dimensional (2D) radiotherapy was the standard, relying on basic x-rays and rudimentary tools. This approach was largely based on professional experience and lacked precision. Today, advanced computational methods have revolutionized radiation therapy, allowing for more accurate targeting of cancerous tissues while sparing healthy cells.
Importance of Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of approximately half of all cancer cases. Dr. Stephan Bodis, MD, emphasizes its critical role alongside surgery and chemotherapy. The complexity of radiation therapy has increased with the introduction of various radiation types and the use of radiosensitizing agents, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Role of Biological Radiosensitizers in Treatment
Dr. Stephan Bodis, MD, discusses the integration of biological radiosensitizers in modern radiotherapy. These agents enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation, making treatments more effective. This combination approach is part of a broader trend towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to the specific biological characteristics of a patient's cancer.
Proton Beam Therapy and Its Benefits
Proton beam therapy is highlighted by Dr. Bodis as a significant advancement in radiation oncology. This technique offers precise targeting of tumors, reducing collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It is particularly beneficial in treating cancers located near critical structures, such as brain tumors, where precision is paramount.
Personalized Treatment Plans and Second Opinions
Dr. Bodis advocates for the importance of personalized treatment plans, which often include a combination of radiotherapy and other cancer therapies. He stresses the value of obtaining a second opinion to ensure that patients receive the most effective and comprehensive treatment strategy. This approach is crucial for advanced-stage cancers with metastatic lesions, where precision medicine can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Full Transcript
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Hello! We are with Dr. Stephan Bodis, who is Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He is Director at the Institute of Radiation Oncology in Canton Hospital, Aarau. Dr. Stephan Bodis received his MD from the University of Basel in Switzerland. He was a resident in Radiation Oncology at the Joint Center for Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Stephan Bodis was also a Research Fellow in Pediatric Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and in Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cancer Research Center. Dr. Stephan Bodis then returned to Switzerland to take leadership positions in Radiation Oncology at hospitals affiliated with the University of Zurich. Clinical and research interests of Dr. Stephan Bodis focus on molecular radiobiology, an application of photon and proton radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Dr. Stephan Bodis is author of many key scientific articles on Radiation Therapy and cancer, and several book chapters on Radiation Oncology. Dr. Stephan Bodis, hello and welcome!
Dr. Stephan Bodis, MD: Hello, Dr. Titov. It's a pleasure to have you here, online. I'm looking forward to your questions and to the discussion.
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Radiation therapy is required in the treatment of perhaps half of all cancers. Radiation therapy also has become very complex. There is use of radiosensitizing agents, different types of radiation, including proton beam therapy to treat cancer. Advanced computation of radiation therapy cancer targets helps to decrease the damage to healthy tissues, especially in radiation of the brain, for example. One could say that radiation and surgery are firmly on the conversion path. In what kind of cancer tumors has radiation therapy made a particular difference? Perhaps, you can describe a couple of truly innovative advances in radiation therapy in oncology today.
Dr. Stephan Bodis, MD: This is an important question to start with. Because not so long ago, 35 years ago, in Switzerland, there was a serious question. It was raised by some medical faculties and by pharmaceutical companies. They thought that within 20 years from then, Radiation Oncology would disappear because of the progress of new cancer medication, specifically, molecular targeted cancer medications. This has changed.
Let me give you a brief outline of the history for radiotherapy technology. Let’s discuss key steps in clinical progress for Radiation Oncology. Sometimes you look back, probably until 1980, we predominantly delivered a 2D cancer radiotherapy. This was crude radiotherapy, based on the experience of the professionals. Radiation oncology treatment planning was done with some plain x-rays and some really archaic tools.
2D radiotherapy is no longer something which we should do, except in a setting for palliative care. Advances in radiotherapy of Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, proton beam therapy, hyperthermia.