Cancer treatment: what happens during radiotherapy? | NHS

During a radiotherapy session, a patient undergoes a carefully orchestrated medical procedure aimed at targeting and treating cancerous tumors using high-energy radiation. The process typically involves several key steps:

• Treatment Planning: Before the session begins, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed by a team of healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists and medical physicists. This plan outlines the specific dose of radiation, the angles from which the radiation beams will be delivered, and the duration of the treatment course. Advanced computer software is used to precisely calculate these parameters, ensuring that the radiation is focused on the tumor while sparing nearby healthy tissues.
• Patient Setup: Once the treatment plan is established, the patient is positioned on a treatment table, often using immobilization devices to maintain a consistent position throughout each session. Aligning the patient accurately with the planned treatment field is critical to the success of radiotherapy.
• Radiation Delivery: During the actual session, the patient is typically alone in the treatment room. Highly specialized machines, such as linear accelerators, deliver the prescribed radiation beams to the targeted area. The patient is carefully monitored remotely by radiation therapists and medical staff through closed-circuit cameras and intercoms.
• Treatment Duration: The duration of a radiotherapy session varies depending on the type of cancer, the treatment technique, and the prescribed dose. Some sessions may take only a few minutes, while others may require longer exposure times. Patients usually receive multiple sessions over several weeks, following the treatment plan.
• Minimal Discomfort: Radiotherapy itself is generally painless. Patients might hear the machine moving or buzzing during the session, but they should not feel the radiation. It's essential to remain still and follow the therapist's instructions for proper positioning.
• Side Effects: Radiotherapy can cause side effects, which vary depending on the treated area. Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized discomfort. These side effects are closely monitored and managed by the medical team, and they usually improve after the completion of treatment.
• Post-Treatment Evaluation: After completing the prescribed sessions, patients may undergo follow-up evaluations, including imaging and clinical assessments, to assess the treatment's effectiveness and monitor for any potential long-term effects.

In summary, a radiotherapy session is a meticulously planned and precisely executed medical procedure aimed at treating cancer by delivering targeted radiation while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The process requires a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.