Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)—an introduction

Research or reality: Within the context of UK radiotherapy and cancer services, where should research and investment be focused to best improve UK treatment outcomes?

Purpose: It is now six years since the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan. During this time, there has been considerable investment and research within UK cancer services. Some progress has been made towards improving treatment outcomes, but obstacles persist. This article explores some recent advances in cancer treatment and considers whether UK cancer treatment outcomes will best improve through the clinical advances being made in cancer research or whether improvement now needs to be more explicitly driven via a strategic approach.Methodology: The article explores this question from two differing perspectives. First, from a research perspective, it reviews briefly the evidence for a selection of clinical advancements in cancer therapy that have all been cited as providing breakthroughs in treatment outcomes. Second, it considers the investment in cancer research within a more strategic context, focusing on the reality of managing an improvement programme in UK cancer services. Here, some of the practical obstacles to improving treatment outcomes are highlighted.Findings: Significant progress has been made over the past six years towards improving UK treatment outcomes. Much of this is a direct result of international advances in clinical research. Further progress, however, is required. This article argues that progress will best be achieved by focusing resources and research investment on tackling some of the endemic strategic obstacles, highlighted in this article, that are the present reality within UK cancer services.