What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Unlike chemotherapy, which uses drugs to treat cancer, radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
How Does Radiation Work?
Radiation damages the DNA inside cells, making it impossible for them to grow and divide. Cancer cells, which grow and divide more rapidly than most normal cells, are particularly susceptible to this damage. Over time, the damaged cancer cells die off, and the body naturally eliminates them.
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation and internal radiation (also known as brachytherapy). External beam radiation delivers radiation from outside the body, while internal radiation involves placing radioactive material inside the body near the cancer cells.What is a Radiation Dose?
A radiation dose is the amount of radiation used in treatment, typically measured in units called
Gray (Gy). The total dose is often divided into smaller doses given over a period of time, a process known as
fractionation. This allows healthy cells time to recover between treatments.
How is the Radiation Dose Determined?
The appropriate radiation dose depends on several factors: the type and stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and whether radiation is being used alone or in combination with other treatments like
chemotherapy or
surgery.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
While radiation therapy is effective, it can also cause side effects. Common side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, and changes in the treated area like hair loss or nausea. Long-term side effects can include damage to healthy tissues and organs near the treatment area.What is Radiation Dose Fractionation?
Fractionation involves dividing the total radiation dose into smaller doses administered over several weeks. This approach helps to reduce damage to healthy cells and allows for more effective cancer cell destruction. Some newer techniques, like
hypofractionation, use larger doses over a shorter period.
Advanced Radiation Techniques
Modern advancements have led to more precise radiation delivery methods, such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and Proton Therapy. These techniques allow for higher doses to be focused on the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.Benefits and Risks of High-Dose Radiation
Higher doses of radiation can be more effective in killing cancer cells but also carry a greater risk of damaging healthy tissue. It is crucial to balance the benefits and risks, and this decision is usually made by a team of healthcare professionals including oncologists and radiation specialists.How to Manage Side Effects?
Managing side effects is important for maintaining quality of life during treatment. This can include medications to manage nausea, skin care routines to reduce irritation, and nutritional support.
Supportive care services like counseling and physical therapy can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Radiation doses in cancer treatment are a critical component that needs careful consideration. Balancing efficacy with safety, utilizing advanced techniques, and managing side effects are all essential aspects of successful radiation therapy. Consulting with a healthcare team ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to the patient's specific needs.
