An overview of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. The treatment can be delivered externally (external beam radiation therapy) or internally (brachytherapy). The goal is to damage the genetic material of cancer cells while sparing healthy cells as much as possible.
What is Radiation Therapy used for?
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. It can be delivered externally using a linear accelerator or internally through implants. Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide variety of cancers and may be used as the primary treatment or in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy. The goal is to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Side effects may occur depending on the part of the body being treated, but they can be managed during and after treatment.
How to prepare for Radiation Therapy?
Patients will typically need to prepare for external beam radiation therapy by meeting with a radiation oncologist to discuss their treatment options and determine if radiation therapy is appropriate. During the planning phase, patients may need to undergo radiation simulation to find a comfortable position and mark the area that will receive radiation. This may involve being fitted for a body mold or mesh face mask. The actual treatment sessions usually last about 10 to 30 minutes, during which patients must remain still. Side effects of radiation therapy may include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and mouth sores, among others. Patients should discuss any concerns or discomfort with their radiation therapy team, who will monitor their progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
How is Radiation Therapy conducted?
During an external beam radiation therapy test (also known as external beam radiotherapy), the radiation therapy team uses a linear accelerator machine to aim high-energy beams at the specific spot on the body where the radiation will be delivered. The process typically involves radiation simulation and planning.
During radiation simulation, the patient lies in the same position they will be in during treatment and the therapy team helps them find a comfortable position. The team then marks the spot on the body where the radiation will be delivered, which may be done with a marker or by using small permanent tattoos.
The planning process involves creating a custom radiation plan based on the patient's specific situation. This may include using scans, such as CT scans or MRIs, to map out the treatment plan. The patient will need to lie in the treatment position during these scans, wearing the mask or mold made for them. After the planning is complete, the care team decides on the type and dose of radiation to be administered.
Each radiation therapy session usually lasts about 10 to 30 minutes, with most of that time spent getting the patient's body into the correct position. Throughout the treatment, the patient lies on the table in the same way they did during planning, with the same molds and props used to help keep them in place. The linear accelerator machine makes a buzzing sound and may rotate around the patient's body to reach the target from different angles. The radiation therapy team remains in a nearby room and can be contacted through video and audio connections.
After radiation therapy, patients may undergo imaging tests to monitor the cancer's response to treatment. The effectiveness of the therapy may be immediate in some cases, while in others it may take several weeks or months to see results. It's essential to discuss the expected outcomes with the radiation therapy team.
Understanding the report
Radiation therapy results are interpreted through imaging tests that assess the cancer's response to treatment. After radiation therapy, imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, are performed to determine if the cancer is shrinking. The response to treatment can be immediate or may take weeks or months to observe. Your radiation therapy team will provide you with information on what to expect and help interpret the results based on your specific situation.