Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in the radical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Patients with locally advanced, inoperable, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a poor prognosis mainly due to failure of local control after treatment with radical radiotherapy. This overview addresses the role of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) in trying to improve survival and reduce toxicity for patients with NSCLC. Current techniques of 3D CRT are analysed and discussed. They include imaging, target volume definition, optimisation of the delivery of radiotherapy through improvement of set-up inaccuracy and reduction of organ motion, dosimetry and implementation and verification issues; the overview concludes with the clinical results of 3D CRT. (C) 2003 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.