Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, making it impossible for them to grow and divide. Radiation therapy is a localized treatment, meaning it targets only the specific area of the body where the cancer is located. It is often used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. While radiation therapy is an effective method for treating many types of cancer, it can also cause side effects, as healthy cells in the treatment area may be affected, Most side effects are temporary and manageable with proper care.
Radiation therapy serves several purposes in cancer treatment, depending on the patient's condition and treatment goals:
Radiation therapy can be the primary treatment for certain cancers or used alongside other treatments to eliminate cancer cells.
Known as adjuvant therapy, it reduces the risk of cancer recurrence by targeting any residual cancer cells.
This is called neoadjuvant therapy and helps make tumors easier to remove.
In advanced stages of cancer, radiation therapy can help relieve symptoms like pain or difficulty breathing, improving quality of life.
Radiation therapy can lead to side effects, which vary depending on the area being treated and the dose of radiation. Common
side effects include:
• Side effects that occur during radition therapy
• Skin irritation, redness, or peeling
• Fatigue
• Hair loss in the treatment area
• Swelling
• Nausea or vomiting (if the abdomen is treated)
• Difficulty swallowing (if the chest or throat is treated)
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Long-term side effects are possible, depending on the location and
extent of the treatment. Patients should discuss potential risks with
their doctor.
Radiation therapy can be delivered in two main ways:
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This is the most commonly used form of radiation therapy, It involves the use of a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver precise, high-energy radiation beams to the tumor from outside the body. The process is non-invasive and painless, with each session typically lasting only a few minutes. EBRT is usually performed on an outpatient basis, with treatments scheduled five days a week over several weeks. This schedule allows healthy tissues to recover between sessions while maximizing the treatment's effectiveness. Advanced techniques such as 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) are often used to enhance
accuracy and minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): This technique involves placing a radioactive material, such as small seeds, rods, or pellets, directly inside or near the tumor. Brachytherapy delivers a high dose of radiation to the cancerous area while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the cancer type and stage, brachytherapy can be temporary or permanent. Temporary brachytherapy involves inserting a radioactive source for a specific duration before it is removed, while permanent brachytherapy leaves the material in place, with the radiation gradually diminishing over time. This method is often used to treat cancers of the prostate, cervix, and breast. Brachytherapy allows for shorter treatment times and often leads to fewer side effects compared to
external beam therapy.
Radiation therapy schedules vary based on the cancer type, location, and overall treatment plan. Most patients receive radiation therapy five days a week for several weeks, with breaks to allow healthy tissue to recover. Advanced techniques may require fewer sessions.
Radiation therapy is monitored closely by the radiation oncologist. Patients undergo periodic imaging scans and assessments to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to manage side effects and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. For many patients, radiation therapy successfully controls or eliminates cancer, improving their prognosis and quality of life.