IMRT should not be administered at photon energies greater than 10 MV

摘要

There is a significant increase in leakage radiation for an IMRT treatment compared with conventional radiotherapy due to the increase in the number of monitor units required. The resultant increase in whole body dose to the patient enhances the risk of radiation-induced cancer and genetic effects. These risks are amplified if the IMRT treatments are delivered at photon energies greater than about 10 MV due to neutron production, which increases the dose equivalent to the patient. Some have suggested that this increased risk is not offset by any advantages inherent in the use of higher photon energies and, hence, should be avoided by administering IMRT treatments only at energies less than about 10 MV. This is the premise debated in this month's Point/ Counterpoint.