What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment method that uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells or impede their growth. It works by damaging the DNA inside the cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Over time, the damaged cells die off, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them.
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are two main types of radiation therapy:
external beam radiation therapy and
internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy). External beam radiation therapy involves directing radiation from outside the body onto the cancerous area, while internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body near the cancer cells.
How is Radiation Therapy Administered?
Radiation therapy is typically administered in a hospital or clinic setting. External beam radiation therapy is usually delivered through a machine called a linear accelerator. Patients lie on a table, and the machine rotates around them to target the radiation precisely. Internal radiation therapy involves the placement of radioactive seeds or sources inside the body, either temporarily or permanently.
When is Radiation Therapy Used?
Radiation therapy can be used at various stages of cancer treatment. It may be employed as a primary treatment to shrink or eliminate a tumor, as adjuvant therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
While radiation therapy can be effective, it also comes with potential side effects. Common side effects include
fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in the treated area. More serious side effects can occur depending on the location of the treatment, such as difficulty swallowing for radiation near the throat or changes in bowel habits for radiation near the abdomen.
Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy
The effectiveness of radiation therapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. In many cases, it can be highly effective in reducing or eliminating tumors. However, its success often depends on the ability to deliver a high enough dose of radiation to the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Advances in Radiation Therapy
Recent advances in radiation therapy, such as
intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and
stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), have improved the precision and effectiveness of treatment. IMRT allows for the radiation dose to be shaped more precisely to the contours of the tumor, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. SRS delivers very high doses of radiation in fewer sessions, targeting tumors with extreme precision.
Combination with Other Treatments
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as
surgery,
chemotherapy, and
immunotherapy. Combining treatments can enhance the overall effectiveness, either by shrinking tumors before surgery or by targeting any remaining cancer cells afterward. The specific combination of treatments is determined by a multidisciplinary team based on the patient's unique case.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a critical component in the fight against cancer, offering a targeted approach to destroy cancer cells and improve patient outcomes. With ongoing research and technological advancements, the precision and effectiveness of radiation therapy continue to improve, providing hope for better treatment options and enhanced quality of life for cancer patients.
