Radiation Therapy Through the Ages

Throughout the course of history, humans have sought to cure cancer through various means. One of the most fascinating and revolutionary developments in medicine has been the use of radiotherapy. In this article, we’ll explore the history of radiotherapy and how it has evolved over time, as well as the different types of radiotherapy and their uses in modern medicine.

What is radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is the use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. The challenge in radiotherapy lies in delivering enough radiation to kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This balance is achieved through precise targeting methods, careful dose calculations, and specialized delivery techniques that have become increasingly sophisticated with advances in medical technology and understanding of cancer biology.

Who discovered radiotherapy?

The history of radiation begins with Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, on November 8th 1895, with the first X-ray of the hand of his wife, Anna Bertha Roentgen. So, the use of radiation for medical purposes dates back to the late 1800s, when radiation was first discovered. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that radiation began to be used as a treatment for cancer. In the early days of radiotherapy, radiation was administered through radium, which was in direct contact with the body or used in conjunction with x-rays (for example in the treatment of skin cancer).

Radiation treatment in the 1950s

Over time, new technologies and techniques were developed to improve the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy. One of the most important developments in radiotherapy was the advent of linear accelerators in the 1950s. These machines generate high-energy X-rays that can penetrate deeper into the body, allowing for more precise and effective treatment.

Radiotherapy in the 1990s

With the development of computers, another major development in radiotherapy was the introduction of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the 1990s. IMRT uses computer-controlled beams of radiation to deliver precise doses of radiation to cancerous tissue while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Types of Radiotherapy in Modern Cancer Treatment

Today, radiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. There are several different types of radiotherapy, each with its own unique benefits and applications.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

One of the most common types of radiotherapy is external beam radiation therapy, in which radiation is delivered to the tumor from an external source. This can be done using a linear accelerator or other radiation delivery system.

Brachytherapy  

Another type of radiotherapy is brachytherapy, in which radioactive material is implanted directly into or near the cancerous tissue. This allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue (widely use for the treatment of cervical cancer).

Proton therapy

Proton therapy is another type of radiotherapy that has gained popularity in recent years. Proton therapy uses protons instead of x-rays to deliver radiation to the tumor. This results in less exposure to healthy tissue, which can reduce side effects and improve outcomes.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy has a rich history that spans more than a century. From the use of radium to the development of advanced radiation delivery systems, radiotherapy has come a long way.

Today, radiotherapy is a critical component of cancer treatment and has helped countless patients overcome this devastating disease. Modern treatment planning continues to evolve, becoming more precise and efficient with each technological advancement. Many leading oncology centers have integrated innovative AI auto-contouring software for radiotherapy into their clinical workflows, allowing radiation oncologists to dedicate more time to treatment strategy while maintaining high precision standards.

With ongoing advancements in technology and research, we can only expect radiotherapy to continue to evolve and improve in the years to come.

References:

• History of radiotherapy – a short introduction: https://humanhealth.iaea.org/HHW/MedicalPhysics/Radiotherapy/Topicsofspecialinterest/HistRT/index.html
• An Overview on Radiotherapy: From Its History to Its Current Applications in Dermatology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535674/
• Basic Radiation Oncology, Murat B., Introduction and History.