Cutting-Edge Research into Cancer Radiotherapy

Dear Colleagues,

Radiation therapy remains one of the cornerstone treatments for cancer, used in approximately 50% of all cancer cases either as a standalone therapy or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Recent advancements in radiation therapy research have been driven by a need for greater precision, reduced side effects, and improved patient outcomes, fostering a shift toward more personalized and technology-enhanced treatment modalities. For some time, traditional methods such as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) have been showing improved results due to the incorporation of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which target tumors more accurately and reduce exposure in the surrounding tissues.

Emerging approaches such as proton therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are pushing the boundaries in terms of precision and efficacy, particularly in tumors located near critical structures or in hard-to-reach areas.

In parallel, advancements in computational power and imaging technologies have enabled adaptive radiation therapy (ART), which dynamically adjusts treatment plans based on changes in tumor or patient anatomy during the course of treatment. Flash radiation therapy delivers ultra-high doses of radiation in extremely short bursts; it shows the potential to revolutionize the field by dramatically reducing damage to normal tissues while maintaining anti-tumor efficacy.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also transforming cancer radiation therapy. These technologies assist in treatment planning, the prediction of outcomes, and the real-time adaptation of therapy, allowing a more personalized approach to care.

For this Special Issue, we welcome papers discussing state-of-the-art research on cancer radiation therapy. Our aim is to identify and address challenges, such as treatment resistance or the accessibility of cutting-edge treatments. We encourage the submission of new data showing the potential of novel techniques or technologies that could attract funding for further research and development. We also invite studies that explore tailored therapies based on tumor type, genetic markers, or patient-specific factors.

Dr. Geert O.R.J. Janssens
Guest Editor

Dr. Radu Mitrica
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• FLASH radiotherapy
• image-guided radiotherapy
• proton therapy
• real-time imaging
• tumor tracking
• AI linear accelerators