Large-field radiotherapy as a systemic therapeutic approach: whole abdominal irradiation

Whole abdomen irradiation as one of six main trends in systemic large-field radiotherapy (SLT), affirmed over the past few years, is discussed. Also considered are the radiobiological characteristic features of SLT - large, normal and low fractionated. This is thorough assessment of the role and place of whole-abdominal irradiation used in ovarian carcinoma management. Both models of whole abdomen irradiation (moving strip and open field) along with their clinical tolerance are characterized and comparatively evaluated. The basic indications and clinical stages most appropriate for whole-abdominal irradiation as a systemic therapy grade I, and as a consolidating therapeutic approach after polychemotherapy in advanced cases are analyzed. Reference is likewise made to the role of whole-abdominal irradiation as a systemic radiotherapy in other malignant neoplasms