Re-irradiation and Particle Therapy Review
Some patients develop recurrence or progression in an area that has already received radiation. Further radiation can be difficult because nearby normal tissues may have already received part or all of their tolerable dose.
Particle therapy can be considered when the new target overlaps with or lies close to the previous radiation field. Particle therapy can concentrate the dose on the tumor while reducing additional radiation to nearby critical organs.
A hospital review usually requires:
- Previous radiation treatment site and dates
- Total dose and fractionation schedule
- Previous radiation field or treatment plan, including DICOM-RT files if available
- Recent imaging
- Current symptoms and performance status
The hospital assesses the overlap between the previous and proposed treatment fields, the cumulative dose to nearby organs, the current extent of disease, and whether further radiation can be delivered safely.
Re-irradiation is not appropriate in every case. Surgery, systemic therapy, or another local treatment may be more suitable depending on the disease and prior treatment.
APIS coordinates record submission and communication with relevant Korean hospitals for international patients.
