Developments in radiation techniques for thoracic malignancies

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern lung cancer treatment alongside surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Advances in radiotherapy techniques have enhanced the accuracy of radiation delivery, which has contributed to the evolution of radiation therapy into a guideline-recommended treatment in both early-stage and locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. Furthermore, although radiotherapy has long been used for palliation of disease in advanced lung cancer, it is increasingly having a role as a locally ablative treatment in patients with oligometastatic disease. This review provides an overview of recent developments in radiation techniques, particularly for non-radiation oncologists who are involved in the care of lung cancer patients. Technical advances are discussed, and findings of recent clinical trials are highlighted, all of which have led to a changing perception of the role of radiation therapy in multidisciplinary care.