Totally Rad: planning radiation therapy in 3D

Since the first successful treatment of a cancer patient with radiation a century ago, shortly after the discovery of X rays, radiation therapy has become more sophisticated. It now relies heavily on the use of computers to control X-ray or other particle sources, map the tumor´s site with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and plan the safe use of multiple, intersecting beams to deliver the required dose to tumor tissue (and not the surrounding normal cells). The paper considers the use of 3D radiation therapy planning systems for the treatment of cancer patients