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Time Factor in External Radiotherapy: Radiobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

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Abstract

This review article explores the critical role of time in external radiotherapy, focusing on the concepts of fractionation and spreading. It traces the evolution of radiobiology, highlighting key milestones that have shaped current treatment strategies. The article delves into the four fundamental principles of radiobiology—Repair, Redistribution, Reoxygenation, and Repopulation—and their implications for fractionated radiation therapy. It further discusses the clinical applications of these principles, including hyperfractionated, accelerated, and hypofractionated treatments. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of how the time factor influences the effectiveness of radiotherapy and its impact on healthy and tumor tissues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Casablanca (FMPC), Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Hassan II University (Univh2c) of Casablanca, Rabat, Morocco

    Abdelhak Maghous

  2. Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco

    El-Amin Marnouche, Mouhcine Hommadi, Maroua Belemlih, Noha Zaghba, Ayoub Ennadif, Amine Bazine, Issam Lalya, Khalid Andaloussi Saghir, Mohamed Elmarjany, Khalid Hadadi & Hassan Sifat

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Contributions

AM and HS performed the literature review, wrote the manuscript, and approved the final version. EM, MH, MB, NZ, AB, IL, KA, ME, and KH all revised the manuscript and approved the final version.

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Correspondence to Abdelhak Maghous.

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Maghous, A., Marnouche, EA., Hommadi, M. et al. Time Factor in External Radiotherapy: Radiobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Indian J Gynecol Oncolog 22, 21 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40944-023-00781-x

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