Hemibody irradiation technique: a wider use in oncology

The use of sequential hemibody irradiation technique (HBI) has developed rapidly from that of an effective palliative treatment to an aggressive method of radical treatment in the initial management of patients at risk of developing widespread metastases. This editorial discusses the use of fractionated HBI in the initial treatment of patients with solid tumors in good condition who are suitable for returning for radiation treatments on a daily basis. The intent is to a) decrease the acute side effects, including pneumonitis and b) increase the total effective dose with a possible improvement in tumor response