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Radiotherpay treatment for cancers and tumours
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells or to shrink tumors. It is one of the primary treatment modalities for cancer and is often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
The main goals of radiotherapy are:
- Tumor Shrinkage: Radiotherapy can be used to shrink tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove.
- Cancer Cell Destruction: Radiation damages the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Eventually, these damaged cells die off.
- Local Control: Radiotherapy is particularly useful for treating cancer that is confined to a specific area of the body. It can target the tumor with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
There are different types of radiation therapy, including:
- External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): This is the most common form of radiotherapy, where a machine outside the body delivers targeted radiation beams to the tumor. The patient typically undergoes daily treatments over a course of several weeks.
- Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): In this approach, radioactive sources are placed directly inside or very close to the tumor. It's often used for cancers of the cervix, prostate, and other organs.
- Systemic Radiotherapy: Radioactive substances, such as radioactive iodine, are given orally or intravenously to target cancer cells throughout the body. This is mainly used for thyroid cancer and some forms of bone cancer.
External beam radiotherapy (EBRT)
External beam radiotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment modality that delivers high-energy X-ray or proton beams from a machine outside the patient's body to target and destroy cancer cells. This non-invasive technique is based on the principle of ionizing radiation damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Precise planning and delivery are critical to spare healthy tissues while irradiating tumors effectively. Patients typically receive multiple daily or weekly sessions over several weeks. External beam radiotherapy is used as a primary treatment, in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, or for palliative care to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. Its success relies on advanced technology, skilled medical professionals, and personalized treatment plans to maximize therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects.
Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy)
Internal radiotherapy, also known as brachytherapy, is a targeted cancer treatment that involves placing radioactive sources directly within or near the tumor site. Unlike external beam radiation, brachytherapy delivers a precise dose of radiation internally, minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding tissues. This technique is employed for various cancers, including prostate, cervical, and breast cancer. There are two main types: intracavitary and interstitial. Intracavitary brachytherapy involves positioning radiation sources inside body cavities, while interstitial brachytherapy places them directly into the tumor tissue. Brachytherapy is often used in conjunction with external radiation or as a sole treatment, depending on the cancer type and stage. Its advantages include shorter treatment durations, reduced side effects, and enhanced dose conformity, making it a valuable option in the fight against cancer.
Systemic Radiotherapy
Systemic radiotherapy, also referred to as radiopharmaceutical therapy, is a medical treatment that uses radioactive substances to target and treat cancer cells throughout the body. This therapy involves the administration of radioactive drugs, usually intravenously, which circulate through the bloodstream and selectively accumulate in cancerous tissues. Once concentrated in the tumor, the radiation emitted from these substances damages cancer cells, inhibiting their growth or causing cell death. Systemic radiotherapy is particularly effective for cancers that have spread to multiple locations or are challenging to reach with surgery or external radiation. It can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
The choice of radiotherapy type and duration depends on factors like the type of cancer, its location, size, and stage, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history. Radiation therapy can cause side effects, which can vary depending on the area being treated, but advancements in technology have helped reduce these side effects and improve the precision of treatment.
Radiotherapy is typically administered by a team of healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, who work together to plan and deliver the treatment while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
What is Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It is one of the primary methods used to treat cancer, alongside surgery and chemotherapy. The goal of radiotherapy is to damage the DNA within cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Over time, the damaged cancer cells die, and the body naturally eliminates them.
Types of Radiotherapy
There are two main types of radiotherapy: external beam radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy (also known as brachytherapy). External beam radiotherapy involves directing radiation at the cancer from outside the body using a machine called a linear accelerator. In contrast, internal radiotherapy involves placing radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor.
Uses of Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy is versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of cancers. It can be used as a primary treatment to eradicate cancer or as an adjuvant therapy to shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant radiotherapy) or destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant radiotherapy). In some cases, radiotherapy is used for palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.
Benefits of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy offers several benefits, including its ability to precisely target cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Modern techniques like intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) further enhance accuracy. This precision reduces side effects and allows for higher doses of radiation to be administered directly to the tumor, improving the chances of successful treatment.
Radiotherapy in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, radiotherapy is widely available through the National Health Service (NHS). Patients may receive treatment at specialized cancer centers equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced oncology professionals. The NHS provides comprehensive care, including support services to manage side effects and emotional well-being throughout the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
How does radiotherapy work?
Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, which stops them from growing and dividing, eventually leading to cell death.
What types of radiotherapy are available?
There are two main types of radiotherapy: external beam radiotherapy, where radiation is aimed at the cancer from outside the body, and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy), where radiation is placed inside the body close to the cancer cells.
Is radiotherapy used alone or with other treatments?
Radiotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
What cancers can be treated with radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, among others.
How is radiotherapy planned and delivered?
A team of specialists, including oncologists and radiographers, plan the treatment using imaging tests to determine the precise location and dosage of radiation. The treatment is then delivered over several sessions.
What are the potential side effects of radiotherapy?
Common side effects include fatigue, skin reactions, and changes to the treated area. Long-term side effects vary depending on the treatment area but may include changes in bowel or bladder function, and infertility.
How long does a typical radiotherapy treatment last?
The length of radiotherapy treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer but typically ranges from a few days to several weeks.
Will I be radioactive during or after radiotherapy?
Only patients undergoing internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) may be temporarily radioactive. Patients receiving external beam radiotherapy are not radioactive and do not pose a risk to others.
Can radiotherapy cure cancer?
Radiotherapy can sometimes cure cancer by completely eradicating the cancer cells. However, its effectiveness depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
How is the area to be treated with radiotherapy determined?
The treatment area is determined using imaging techniques like CT, MRI, or PET scans to precisely locate the cancer and plan the therapy accordingly.
What preparations are needed before starting radiotherapy?
Patients may undergo a planning session to map the treatment area and receive instructions on diet, medications, and skin care during treatment.
Is radiotherapy painful?
Radiotherapy itself is painless, although some side effects, such as skin irritation and soreness in the treated area, can cause discomfort.
Can radiotherapy be used to relieve symptoms?
Yes, radiotherapy can be used palliatively to relieve symptoms like pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by advanced cancers.
What support is available for patients undergoing radiotherapy?
Patients can access a range of support services, including counselling, nutritional advice, and support groups, to help manage the physical and emotional impacts of treatment.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Radiotherapy Services at University Hospital
- NHS - Radiotherapy Overview of radiotherapy treatment, including how it works, what to expect during treatment, and potential side effects.
- Cancer Research UK - Radiotherapy Information from Cancer Research UK about radiotherapy, including how it is planned, the types available, and how it may affect you.
- Macmillan Cancer Support - Radiotherapy Detailed resource from Macmillan Cancer Support on radiotherapy, including how it works, the treatment process, and managing side effects.
- University Hospital - Radiotherapy Services Information about radiotherapy services at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, including available treatments and patient support.
Useful links from: A Radiotherapy appointment in east and North Hertfordshire
- East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust - Radiotherapy Information on radiotherapy services provided by the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, including treatment options and patient support services.
- Macmillan Cancer Support - Radiotherapy Comprehensive guide on radiotherapy provided by Macmillan Cancer Support, covering what to expect, how to prepare, and managing side effects.
- Cancer Research UK - Radiotherapy Detailed information from Cancer Research UK about radiotherapy, including different types, what happens during treatment, and potential side effects.
- NHS - Radiotherapy NHS guide on radiotherapy, including the different types, the process, and advice on managing side effects and aftercare.
Useful links from: What is it like having Prostate Radiotherapy treatment?
- NHS: Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer This page on the NHS website gives an overview of radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer, including what to expect during and after treatment.
- Macmillan Cancer Support: Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Macmillan Cancer Support provides detailed information about radiotherapy for prostate cancer, including side effects and tips for managing them.
- Cancer Research UK: Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Cancer Research UK offers comprehensive guidance on radiotherapy as a treatment for prostate cancer, detailing how the treatment works and what patients can expect.
- Prostate Cancer UK: Radiotherapy Prostate Cancer UK provides in-depth information on radiotherapy for prostate cancer, including preparation, procedure, and side effects.
Useful links from: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
- NHS - Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer This page on the NHS website provides comprehensive information on radiotherapy, including how it's used to treat prostate cancer, what to expect during treatment, and potential side effects.
- Prostate Cancer UK - Radiotherapy Prostate Cancer UK offers detailed information on radiotherapy for prostate cancer, including the different types, how treatment is planned, and the possible side effects.
- Cancer Research UK - Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Cancer Research UK's page on radiotherapy for prostate cancer includes information on the process, preparing for treatment, and managing side effects, along with personal stories from patients.
- Macmillan Cancer Support - Radiotherapy Macmillan Cancer Support provides resources and support for those undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, including information on treatment types, coping with side effects, and support services available.
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