The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Disease

Abstract

In the past twenty years, significant advancements in cancer treatment have been achieved. New surgical techniques such as robotic surgery [1], three-dimensional magnification, and intraoperative imaging have resulted in less invasive and more effective surgical procedures for the resection of both primary tumors and metastatic disease. Promising novel cytotoxic agents, including cancer-specific molecular targeting agents [2], have been discovered and continue to be investigated. Moreover, radiation therapy has undergone rapid advancement in its targeting capabilities with the introduction of technologies such as 3D-conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image-guided radiotherapy, and stereotactic body radiosurgery.