Intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has found widespread use in the treatment of head and neck cancers. This technology allows for conformal dose distributions around a tumor target while a rapid dose fall-off spares surrounding critical structures. The properties of IMRT are particularly suited for treating head and neck cancers due to the close proximity of dose-limiting normal tissues allowing for potential dose escalation. Further studies are ongoing to investigate long-term clinical outcomes and toxicity. Copyright (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.