What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for
cancer that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Unlike chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, radiation therapy is usually a localized treatment, targeting specific areas affected by cancer.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells. When the DNA is damaged beyond repair, the cancer cells stop dividing and eventually die. The body then naturally eliminates these dead cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy).
1.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This is the most common form where a machine directs high-energy beams at the cancer from outside the body.
2.
Brachytherapy: This involves placing a radioactive source inside or very close to the tumor, offering a high radiation dose to the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Primary Treatment: For some cancers, radiation may be the main treatment, especially if the cancer has not spread.
- Adjuvant Therapy: It can be used after surgery or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Palliative Treatment: It helps relieve symptoms in advanced cancer, such as pain or bleeding.
What are the Potential Side Effects?
While radiation therapy is effective, it can also cause side effects. These depend on the area treated and the dose of radiation. Common side effects include:
-
Fatigue- Skin changes (redness, blistering)
-
Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss in the treatment area
- Long-term effects like fibrosis or secondary cancers (rare)
How is Radiation Therapy Planned?
Before starting treatment, a detailed planning process called
simulation is conducted. This often involves imaging scans like CT or MRI to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. A team of specialists, including a radiation oncologist, dosimetrist, and medical physicist, will then devise a treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.
- Radiation Oncologist: A doctor specializing in cancer care with radiation.
- Medical Physicist: Ensures that the radiation equipment is working properly and that the correct dose is delivered.
- Dosimetrist: Calculates the correct radiation dose.
- Radiation Therapist: Operates the radiation equipment and administers the treatment.
What Advances Have Been Made in Radiation Therapy?
Technological advancements have significantly improved the precision and effectiveness of radiation therapy. Techniques such as
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT),
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), and
Proton Therapy allow for more accurate targeting of tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
What Should Patients Expect During Treatment?
Patients typically undergo radiation therapy five days a week for several weeks. Each session lasts only a few minutes, but preparation and positioning can take longer. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the patient’s response to treatment and manage any side effects.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, offering hope and improved outcomes for many patients. With ongoing research and technological innovations, the precision and effectiveness of radiation therapy continue to advance, enhancing its role in the fight against cancer.
