Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy is a type of treatment which uses ionizing radiation as a means to treat cancer and eliminate malignant cells.

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

● As the primary treatment for cancer
● Before cancer surgery, in order to shrink a tumour – 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 alleviate certain symptoms

Common types of radiotherapy treatment or radiation therapy include:

● 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’s important to note that certain types of cancer are more radiosensitive than others. If the disease is more radiosensitive, there is a higher chance of curing it completely. Certain radiosensitizing drugs can be administered to the patient in order to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.

The types of cancer that generally spread around the body cannot be cured with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy Candidates

Radiation therapy or radiotherapy treatment is recommended for patients suffering from cancer or tumours. Radiation therapy may also be used before or after cancer surgery or in conjunction with chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer the patient suffers from.

Preparing for Radiation Therapy

Patients need to avoid any alcohol intake or smoking before the treatment is set to begin. It’s also advised to eat as healthy as possible, in order to strengthen the body before treatment.

How is Radiation Therapy Performed?

Radiation therapy works by destroying the genetic material of damaged or malignant cells – it stops them from growing and dividing, effectively destroying any cancerous tissue in the body.

A linear accelerator is used for radiation therapy. The linear accelerator creates a very strong and very precise beam of radiation which is directed into the patient’s body. The patient will be placed on a table and then the linear accelerator will deliver radiation from different angles around the patient. 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.

The treatment itself lasts anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes.

Radiation Therapy Summary

Radiation Therapy Recovery

Patients usually react differently, according to the location of the cancer and the treatment used. Most individuals feel tired for a couple of months after the treatment.

Radiation Therapy Risks and Complications

Radiotherapy treatment risks and complications can include:

● 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

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

Radiotherapy success rates depend on the patient’s condition. Generally, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks associated with radiotherapy treatment.

Before and After Radiation Therapy

Patients need to have periodic scans and tests with their oncologist in order to see how the tumour or cancer responds. The disease or tumour may respond immediately, in a few months or never.