Combining External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) with Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) in Prospective Clinical Trials
Description
Combining external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is gaining momentum as the two modalities complement each other from a radiation-biology perspective. EBRT delivers precise, high-dose radiation to bulky, image-defined lesions, while RPT provides continuous low-dose-rate irradiation to microscopic or disseminated disease driven by molecular targeting rather than beam geometry. Together, they promise better tumor control, more comprehensive coverage of sub-clinical disease, and potential synergistic radio-sensitization without increasing normal-tissue toxicity. This session will address the clinical rationale for combining EBRT and RPT and feature two ongoing clinical trials pursuing this approach. Speakers will address the challenges of integrating dose distributions across modalities and early clinical outcomes, underscoring the pivotal role of medical physicists in advancing safe, quantitative, and effective combined-modality treatments.