Technical record in radiotherapy (author's transl)

The term "technical record in radiotherapy" is used to describe collected information relative to treatment using radiation. The subject of this session of the chapter of Radiotherapy of the Société Fran?aise de Radiologie was the intrinsic functions of this record and its extrinsic limitations. The extreme diversity of the current state of the record is a known fact. A majority of participants express the desire for uniformisation of the collection of data or even, as a second stage, to have a common record. A library of technical records was set up under the responsibility of the Centre Georges-Fran?ois Leclerc at Dijon (J.C. Horiot). One broad conclusion was seen to emerge: the creation of a minimum common record including essential information to which could be added the more specific data of each radiotherapist and at each time of use. Prior agreement will be necessary with regard to the standardisation of apparatus and the expression of the dose. This session was of necessity merely a reflection of future needs and it is to be hoped that the good will which was obvious during the course of the discussion may produce concrete results in the months to come.     

Clinical indications for radiotherapy of the mediastinum (author's transl)

The clinical and radiobiological problems associated with radiotherapy of the mediastinum are discussed with reference to the efficacy of such treatment on various forms (therapeutical and palliative management and its indications) and the damage caused to normal organs.     

SI-units in radiotherapy and radiation protection--an addendum (author's transl)

As an extension of a recent paper, this addendum conversion tables between the new SI-unit Sievert (Sv) for the dose equivalent and the unit Rem (rem) used previously, as well as the relations of the corresponding dose rates.     

Results of radiotherapy of metastatic orbit tumors (author's transl)

The results of radiotherapy of 18 patients with metastatic orbit tumors were analyzed in a retrospective study. Twelve of fifteen evaluable patients were free of all symptoms immediately after the irratiation. The findings of two patients showed an amelioration, and one patient did not present any therapeutic success at all. The late results of twelve patients could be determined. Nine of them showed nn recurrence of the orbit tumor. Severe side effects, especially cataracts, could not be observed.     

Radiobiological problems in the radiotherapy of brain tumors (author's transl)

Clinical findings on the unsatisfactory results of radiotherapy of glioblastomas, and on the genesis of cerebral necrosis, are analyzed in the light of modern radiobiologic research. It is concluded that, usually from unjustified fear of exceeding the "tolerance limit", radiotherapy of glioblastomas is underdosed.     

Radiobiological aspects of preoperative radiotherapy (author's transl)]

Radiobiological considerations suggest the use of preoperative radiotherapy with subcurative doses in malignancies known for frequent local recurrence or for easy metastatic spread during surgery. Clinical experience with this form of preoperative radiotherapy on esophageal cancer is being analyzed in regard to its radiobiological significance.     

Small breast cancer and radiotherapy (author's transl)]

Small breast cancer is not a clear entity and is often very difficult to classify (e.g. TNM). The role of radiotherapy is far from being generally accepted; it is now clear that the smaller the tumor is, the better are its chances to be cured by X-rays. The first step after diagnosis is the search for distant metastases. That postoperative radiotherapy increases the risk of distant metastases remains to be proved and clinical trials are under way. At the present time, the treatment of breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach.     

A program for optimizing radiation beam parameters in radiotherapy (author's transl)

A very large-use optimization technique for radiation treatment planning is presented. Very few input data are sufficient to enable the program to work out an optimized dose distribution; optimization is obtained by modifying the intersection point of beams and the size, the wedge and the time of each beam. The technique may be extended to moving beam teletherapy. A memorized collection of typical geometric arrangements allows a good saving in operator's time especially during data preparation.     

Tomography (author's transl)

Conventional and Computerized Tomography are radiological techniques with the objective to reproduce tomographique images, both with different features with regard to detail recognition. Both techniques can be considered as methods complementing one another and not as competitive ones following the present stage of development and experiences gained in this field. Conventional Tomography with its proper range of application is regarded as a fully developed technique, whereas Computerized Tomography will possibly allow further development and improvements with regard to technology and performance. The limits, however, in the relation price/performance regarding tomopgraphic equipments and the relation dosage/image quality regarding the method can already be recognized. If we compare both techniques, we may say, however, with certain reservations, that Conventional Tomography stands out for a superior spatial resolution whereas a better distinction between small density differences in tissues one of the most distinguished features is Computerized Tomography is known for.     

Phlebography (author's transl)

The article discusses the limitations of conclusive information supplied by different phlebographic methods. Particular attention is drawn to the insufficient staining properties, partly of the deep veins of the lower leg, the vena femoralis profunda and gastrocnemius veins. When assessing the course of acute phlebothromboses, conclusive information on the extent of thrombus formation is limited in complete obstruction of deep veins as well as in the reformation of thrombi in vessels which have already undergone post-thrombotic changes. Observation of the valvular function can supply essential information on the extent of fibrinolytic effects. Besides the conventional phlebographic techniques, the article also explains methods for the visualisation of rare angiomatoses with osseous involvement, using transosseous pelvic phlebography.