Topics of radiation biology for cancer treatment

Recent advances in the field of radiation therapy (RT) have considerably improved treatment outcomes of various cancers. It is related to not only the technological progress in medical physics but also the analytical progress in radiation biological effectiveness. However, the treatment results of RT, especially in advanced cancer, are still insufficient, therefore it is necessary to establish a safety and more effective method for treating cancer. Understanding the radiation biology is essential to appreciate the effect of RT. Hence, we review the controversial point of RT for radiation biology and introduce the results of basic research. (author)