Clinical radiation pathology as applied to curative radiotherapy.

The value of radiation pathology in understanding the radiation effects in normal tissues and tumors is stressed in developing curative radiotherapy. A theory of cell radiosensitivity is presented based on cellular proliferation, differentiation and life span. From this base, concepts of tissue and organ radiosensitivity are developed utilizing the knowledge of tissue organization, cell kinetics and microcirculation. Through a series of paradigmatic charts and drawings an attempt is made to explain different clinical manifestations of radiation reactions on the basis of similar histopathologic changes. Possible future directions for radiation research to explore are outlined.