Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy is a type of treatment performed to treat cancer and eliminate malignant cells, which also involves the use of ionizing radiation.

Radiotherapy treatment or radiation therapy can be used in the following ways: 

● As the main treatment for cancer 

● Before cancer surgery, in order to shrink a tumor – this is called neoadjuvant therapy 

● After cancer surgery, in order to stop the growth of any remaining cancer cells – this is called adjuvant therapy 

● In combination with chemotherapy 

● In cases of advanced cancer, in order to alleviate certain symptoms 

Radiotherapy treatment or radiation therapy is performed for different kinds of conditions that involve: 

● Radiation therapy for breast cancer 

● Radiation therapy for prostate cancer 

● Radiation therapy for lung cancer 

● Radiation therapy for brain cancer 

● Radiation therapy for cervical cancer 

● Radiation therapy for leukemia 

● Radiation therapy for skin cancer 

● Radiation therapy for thyroid cancer 

● Radiation therapy for prostate cancer 

It should be taking into consideration that some types of cancer are more radiosensitive than other types. If there is a more radiosensitive type of cancer, the possibility of treating it completely is higher. Certain radiosensitizing drugs can be administered to the patient in order to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. 

For the types of cancer that usually spread around the body, radiation therapy cannot be efficient. 

Radiation Therapy Candidates

For the patients who are suffering from cancer or who have tumors, radiation therapy, or is recommended. Also, depending on the kind of cancer, radiation therapy can be performed before or after cancer surgery as well as in combination with chemotherapy.

Am I Suitable for Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy cannot cure metastatic cancers or very large tumours. The tumours can be surgically removed before radiation therapy is applied. Patients suffering from connective tissue diseases such as vasculitis or scleroderma are not good candidates for radiotherapy treatment, as these conditions make them too sensitive to the treatment’s side effects. Pregnant women are also not good candidates for radiotherapy treatment. If the patient was already treated with radiotherapy in a specific area, the same treatment cannot be used again.

Preparing for Radiation Therapy

Before radiation therapy, patients should avoid consuming alcohol or smoking. Also, before the treatment, it is recommended to have a healthy diet in order to strengthen the body.

How is Radiation Therapy Performed?

Radiation therapy is performed in order to destroy the genetic material of damaged or malignant cells. With radiation therapy, the growth and the division of cancerous tissues are blocked. 

During radiation therapy, a linear accelerator is used. The linear accelerator makes a solid and extremely exact beam of radiation that is focused on the patient's body. During the treatment, the patient lies on a table after that, and the linear accelerator would be sending radiation to the patient with different angles. Patients usually come in for treatment five days a week, with a few recuperation periods in between – the recuperation periods allow the patient's healthy cells to heal and recover. 

Radiation Therapy Summary

Radiation Therapy Recovery

Depending on the position of cancer and the treatment performed, patients have different reactions. After the treatment, most of the patients feel tired for a few months.

Radiation Therapy Risks and Complications

There are some risks and complications related to the radiotherapy treatment, which may involve:

● Cancer – 0.1% of patients get cancer 20 to 30 years after the treatment 

● Heart disease 

● Infertility 

● Scarring 

● Tissue fibrosis – the tissue becomes less flexible

Radiation Therapy Side Effects

There are several side effects of radiotherapy, which might include vomiting and nausea, damage to skin tissue, fatigue, hair loss, swelling, intestinal discomfort, stomach, throat, and mouth sores.

Radiation Therapy Side Effects

Radiotherapy side effects can include one or more of the following: ● Vomiting and nausea ● Damage to skin tissue ● Fatigue ● Hair loss ● Swelling ● Intestinal discomfort ● Stomach, throat and mouth sores

Radiation Therapy Success Rates

Depending on the patient's medical condition, the success rate of radiotherapy varies. Usually, the benefits of radiotherapy treatment are greater than the risks related to the procedure.

Before and After Radiation Therapy

In order to follow the responding of cancer or the tumor, patients are required to have regular scans and tests with their oncologist. The responding time of the disease or the tumor differs, it may respond immediately or in a few months or never.

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