Understanding Radiotherapy: A Vital Tool in Cancer Treatment

Cancer is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach for effective treatment. One of the most important and widely used methods is radiotherapy. At ID Cancer Center, we believe in educating our patients and the community about the treatments we offer. This blog post aims to shed light on what radiotherapy is, how it works, and what patients can expect during their treatment journey.

What is Radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. The goal of radiotherapy is to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.

How Does Radiotherapy Work?

Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. This damage prevents the cells from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to their death. The treatment is typically delivered in two main forms:

1. External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): This is the most common form of radiotherapy. A machine called a linear accelerator directs high-energy rays from outside the body into the tumor.

2. Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): This involves placing radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor. This method allows for a higher dose of radiation in a more targeted area.

What to Expect During Radiotherapy

1. Consultation and Planning: Before starting treatment, patients will have a consultation with a radiation oncologist. This specialist will review the patient's medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss the treatment plan. Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans are often used to determine the precise location and size of the tumor.

2. Simulation: During the simulation session, the patient is positioned on a treatment table, and the area to be treated is marked. Custom devices, such as masks or molds, may be created to help keep the patient still and ensure the radiation is delivered accurately.

3. Treatment Sessions: Radiotherapy is usually given in daily sessions, Monday through Friday, over several weeks. Each session lasts only a few minutes, but the setup time may take longer. The patient will be positioned on the treatment table, and the machine will deliver the radiation according to the treatment plan.

4. Side Effects: While radiotherapy is effective, it can also cause side effects. These vary depending on the treatment area and the individual patient. Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, and localized discomfort. Most side effects are temporary and can be managed with the help of the healthcare team.

Advances in Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy technology has advanced significantly over the years. Techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) allow for more precise targeting of tumors, reducing damage to healthy tissues and improving outcomes.

Brief description of each radiation therapy technique:

1. IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy)

IMRT is an advanced form of radiation therapy that allows for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. It uses varying intensities of radiation beams, enabling higher doses to the tumor and reducing side effects.

2. IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy)

IGRT enhances the precision of radiation therapy by using imaging techniques (like CT scans or X-rays) during treatment sessions. This ensures accurate targeting of the tumor, even if it moves due to patient breathing or other factors, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

3. SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery)

SRS is a non-invasive procedure that delivers high doses of focused radiation to tumors in the brain or other areas with high precision. It typically involves one or a few treatment sessions and is used for conditions such as brain tumors or vascular malformations.

4. SRT (Stereotactic Radiation Therapy)

SRT is similar to SRS but usually involves multiple sessions to deliver a fractionated dose of radiation to tumors. It is commonly used for larger tumors or those located near critical structures, providing effective treatment with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

5. Adoptive Radiotherapy

Adoptive radiotherapy is an experimental approach that combines traditional radiation therapy with immunotherapy. It aims to enhance the body's immune response against cancer by using immune cells that have been modified or activated to recognize and attack tumor cells after radiation treatment.

Support During Treatment

At ID Cancer Center, we understand that undergoing radiotherapy can be a challenging experience. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our patients. From nutrition and pain management to psychological and emotional support, we are here to help every step of the way.