Radiotherapy dose fractionation Fourth edition

The Radiotherapy dose fractionation guidance was first published in 2006 against a background of considerable variation in clinical practice across the UK. Since that first edition there has been greater standardisation of treatment reflecting many influences, including more widespread appreciation of evidence-based practice, nationwide involvement in clinical trials addressing fractionation questions within the National Cancer Research Network and National Institute for Health Research, and organisation of cancer care within networks charged with adherence to local and national guidelines.

Compiled by a team of highly experienced clinical oncologists, the fourth edition of Radiotherapy dose fractionation incorporates changes many of these changes and using evidence published since the last update in 2019. It provides a concise summary of evidence-based radiotherapy fractionation schedules for all anatomical sites, to ensure its continuing role as a key reference document for all practicing clinical oncologists.

This fourth edition supersedes the previous third edition, which has now been withdrawn.

Please note that this document is intended to inform clinical oncologists of evidence-based fractionation schedules for the majority of indications for radiotherapy. However, inclusion in this guidance does not imply that a particular treatment or schedule is commissioned by the national health services in the four UK nations.