SHORT VERSION The aim of a radiosensitivity test is to assess each patient’s risk of developing early or late toxicities before treatment initiation. For routine clinical use, the test must be performed using easily accessible samples and must provide rapid results that do not delay the treatment.
Since the 1990s, clinical and basic research groups have been working to develop tests to predict the patients’ radiosensitivity. These tests evaluate, before treatment, the individual risk of developing complications following radiotherapy. It is important to distinguish the two side effect types that can occur during or after radiotherapy: early or acute complications and latecomplications. Because of their irreversible nature and the impact they can have on the patient quality of life, much effort has been focused on developing tests to predict the occurrence of late complications. Currently, there are two tests based on different techniques and sample types (blood or skin) They have very different levels of clinical evidence.
Radiosensitivity testing
General information on radiotherapy
The different types of radiotherapy
The different radiotherapy techniques
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Before and during radiotherapy
After radiotherapy
Radiotherapy for breast cancer
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Radiotherapy and side effects
Radiosensitivity
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