Advances in research on spatially fractionated radiation therapy

VernacularTitle:空间分割放射治疗研究进展
Author: Chenyang WANG ¹ ; Shuo WANG ; Jun YANG ; Jun WANG
Author Information

1. 河北医科大学第四医院放疗科，石家庄　050011
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT); Radiobiology; Clinical application
From: Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(9):925-933
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Conventional radiotherapy tends to deliver uniform doses to tumors. However, to avoid high-dose-induced toxicity to surrounding organs or in the case of large-volume tumors, effective doses are frequently limited, thereby undermining the treatment efficacy. Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) has the potential to overcome this limitation. Specifically, SFRT delivers spatially differential irradiation within target volumes, creating high-dose peak zones and low-dose trough zones. This uneven dose pattern may activate potential biological effects to kill tumor cells, improve the immune microenvironment, and activate the immune system. Besides, this pattern can reduce the dose to normal tissues surrounding large-volume tumors. This study provides a review of the development history, radiobiological mechanisms, relevant parameters, and clinical applications of SFRT, as well as its future trends.