Time Matters: A Review of Current Radiotherapy Practices and Efficiency Strategies

Karaca S., Kırlı Bölükbas M.

TECHNOLOGY IN CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT, vol.24, pp.1-11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 24
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/15330338251345376
  • Journal Name: TECHNOLOGY IN CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-11
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Radiotherapy is a multi-step process that includes planning, contouring, simulation, patient assessment, quality control, and treatment. Each step must be completed before moving on to the next. Numerous factors, including patient characteristics, disease type, management, radiotherapy personnel, equipment, treatment modality, and total/fractional doses, affect the overall duration of radiotherapy. Time is one of life’s most valuable resources and should be well managed and utilized. In radiotherapy, eliminating factors that unnecessarily prolong the treatment period significantly benefits the institution, patient, and staff. This review article examines the variables that affect overall treatment time in current external beam radiotherapy routines and offers suggestions for reducing treatment time.