Radiotherapy techniques for intracranial tumours

Intracranial tumours often require radiotherapeutic approaches that differ from other sites. Their specific requirements merit a specialized discussion. A brief review of radiotherapy techniques to treat intracranial tumours is presented with emphasis on the author’s own experience and work, where appropriate. A clinical introduction is presented first followed by a description of both conventional and modern techniques. Examples from clinical practice are also given. The issues discussed include direct simulation, 2D and 3D treatment planning, the use of CT and other imaging modalities, field shaping and non-coplanar techniques. In the modern radiotherapy era, simple conventional techniques still have a role to play in routine clinical practice. As new technologies are introduced into relatively under-resourced centres, they should be used judiciously and appropriately to maximize benefit to the whole patient population.