Practice-changing radiation therapy trials for the treatment of cancer: where are we 150 years after the birth of Marie Curie?

Authors
Thompson, Mareike K 
Poortmans, Philip 
Chalmers, Anthony J 
Faivre-Finn, Corinne 
Hall, Emma 

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Article
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Abstract

As we mark 150 years since the birth of Marie Curie, we reflect on the global advances made in radiation oncology and the current status of radiation therapy (RT) research. Large-scale international RT clinical trials have been fundamental in driving evidence-based change and have served to improve cancer management and to reduce side effects. Radiation therapy trials have also improved practice by increasing quality assurance and consistency in treatment protocols across multiple centres. This review summarises some of the key RT practice-changing clinical trials over the last two decades, in four common cancer sites for which RT is a crucial component of curative treatment: breast, lung, urological and lower gastro-intestinal cancer. We highlight the global inequality in access to RT, and the work of international organisations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad), that aim to improve access to RT and facilitate radiation research. We discuss some emerging RT technologies including proton beam therapy and magnetic resonance linear accelerators and predict likely future directions in clinical RT research.

Publication Date
2018-08
Online Publication Date
2018-07-31
Acceptance Date
2018-06-22
Keywords
Breast Neoplasms, Clinical Trials as Topic, Europe, Female, Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Health Services Accessibility, Humans, Lung Neoplasms, Male, Neoplasms, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Urologic Neoplasms
Journal Title
Br J Cancer
Journal ISSN
0007-0920
1532-1827
Volume Title
119
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
NIHR Cambridge BRC