Transform today, excel tomorrow

Decades after the discovery of X-rays in 1895, new opportunities of image-guided therapy along with the introduction of precision medicine, radiotherapy has taken important steps advancing cancer treatment as an integral part of multidisciplinary approaches. Nowadays, from state-of-the-art technologies to bedside care, the radiation oncologists and the scientific community team-up together to facilitate the development of novel ways to cope with cancers at various stages.

Radiation oncology has also step out of its technology comfort zone and starts to engage mainstream diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, naming genomic/proteomic testing and immunotherapy. Research on the interaction between radiotherapy and host immune system has unveiled new mechanisms that testified the efficacy of radiotherapy going beyond classic DNA damage and repair. In addition, improvements in computing power and imaging technologies both thrived the development of sophisticated radiation treatment planning and delivery. The prevalence of new technologies and treatments, such as intensity-modulated arc therapy, 4D imaging, IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, the particle beam therapy, and the combination with oncological medicine in clinic practice have improved survival and reduced side effects.

As Taiwan Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (TASTRO) continues to seek for innovative ideas and share exciting advances made by its members and colleagues, Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (TRO) is an avenue for authors to share their original clinical or research ideas. The transition from the traditional paper form to the current electronic submission, expedited review, and e-publication cannot be accomplished without the support of editorial team of TRO and AME Publishing Company. We are greatly in debt to them and trust that, with join effort of our members and colleagues, TRO will soon be noticeable to the international community.

Acknowledgments

Funding: None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: KSCC serves as an Editor-in-Chief of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

Ethical Statement: The author is accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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