Contemplation of head and neck intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Intensity-modulated radiootherapy (IMRT) is being rapidly embraced as a radiotherapy technique in many cancer centres across the world. This paper aims to highlight the reported problems associated with the use of IMRT for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Specific areas of concern that are mentioned are the identification of tumour volumes, reproducibility of treatment, issues of tumour resistance and tumour recurrence. Radiotherapy departments are advised to make haste slowly when considering the implementation of this technique.