Radiation therapy is one of the mainstay treatments for cancer. Recent advances have increased the repertoire of tools for radiation oncologists to maximize tumor control and minimize toxicity. These advances include stereotactic body radiation therapy/stereotactic ablative radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, high-dose-rate brachytherapy, as well as advances in radiation planning and better understanding of biological modifiers that may enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy when optimally applied. Given the rapid advances in the last 5-10 years for these radiation specific modalities in larger academic centers, adoption of these treatment approaches has disseminated into other radiation oncology clinics. This course will review state-of-the-art radiation treatment strategies and provide a how-to approach to integrate these new treatment modalities into a community radiation oncology practice. Issues regarding treatment volume, treatment dose, fractionation, biological and technological rationale based on evidence will be discussed in order to enhance the confidence of practitioners in their ability to translate these advances into improved patient outcomes in their practices.

Target Audience

Radiation oncologists, medical physicists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and biologists interested in implementing recent advances related to radiation treatment delivery, integrations of biological and technological advances in cancer care into daily radiation oncology practice, and having exposure to novel approaches in cancer detection, radiation treatment planning, and treatment delivery.