The Evolution of the Basic Concepts Underlying the Practice of Radiotherapy from 1949 to 1977

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Abstract
In his overview of the history and theoretical developments of radiotherapy, the author stresses the following concepts: (a) sensitivity is not linked to histology but to the volume of cancer; (b) the dose must not necessarily be homogeneous in the target volume but related to varying volumes of cancer; (c) the fact that irradiation may not be the sole treatment in some tumors does not mean that it does not have a place in their management; (d) as a general rule, large tumors should not be treated with irradiation only, if gross cancer can be resected simply; (e) since there is a dose-response curve for control rates and for complications, an optimum dose level must be maintained; and (f) the patient's quality of life is a major concern.