What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for
cancer that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It works by damaging the DNA inside the cells, making it difficult for them to grow and divide. There are different types of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy).
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy targets the cancerous area with precision to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is usually delivered over several sessions, allowing healthy cells time to recover while continuously damaging cancer cells. The specific type and dose of radiation used depend on the type and stage of the cancer.
What Are the Goals of Radiation Therapy?
The primary goals of radiation therapy include:
1.
Curative Treatment: To eliminate the cancer completely.
2.
Adjuvant Therapy: To shrink tumors before surgery or to kill remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
3.
Palliative Care: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
What Are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
While radiation therapy is effective in treating cancer, it can also cause side effects. These vary depending on the area being treated and the dose of radiation. Common side effects include:
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Fatigue-
Skin changes such as redness, peeling, or blistering
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Hair loss in the treated area
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Nausea and vomiting, especially if the stomach or abdomen is treated
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Diarrhea or
urinary problems when the pelvis is treated
How Is Radiation Therapy Planned?
Before starting radiation therapy, a detailed planning process called
simulation is conducted. This involves imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. The radiation oncologist then designs a treatment plan that specifies the type, dose, and delivery method of radiation.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Radiation Therapy?
While many side effects of radiation therapy are temporary, some can be long-lasting or appear months to years after treatment. These include:
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Secondary cancers: Radiation can sometimes cause new cancers to develop in the treated area.
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Cardiac issues: Particularly if the chest area was treated.
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Lung problems: Such as fibrosis or pneumonitis.
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Lymphedema: Swelling caused by damage to the lymphatic system.
Who Is Eligible for Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is suitable for many types of cancer, but not all patients are candidates. Factors that determine eligibility include the type and stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, overall health, and previous treatments. A multidisciplinary team assesses each case to tailor the most appropriate treatment plan.
Can Radiation Therapy Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes, radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. This multimodal approach can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. For example, radiation can shrink a tumor before surgical removal or target residual cancer cells after surgery.
What Should Patients Expect During Radiation Therapy?
Patients undergoing radiation therapy will have regular sessions, typically five days a week for several weeks. Each session lasts only a few minutes, although the setup time may take longer. It is a painless procedure, and patients can usually continue with their daily activities.
How To Manage Side Effects?
Managing side effects is crucial for maintaining quality of life during radiation therapy. Patients should:
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Follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
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Get plenty of rest.
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Use prescribed creams for skin care.
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Communicate with their healthcare team about any side effects experienced.
Radiation therapy has a long history of improving cancer treatment outcomes. With ongoing research and technological advancements, its effectiveness and precision continue to improve, offering hope to many cancer patients worldwide.
