Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to manage different forms of cancer. The specific approach to therapy is determined by a team of medical specialists who evaluate the type, location, and severity.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that involves the use of high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, to damage or destroy malignant cells. The primary objective of this treatment is to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to the surrounding healthy tissues. A specialized medical team, often including a radiation oncologist, works together to plan and deliver the treatment. The process begins with a detailed simulation, where imaging scans like CT or PET scans are used to map the precise location and shape of the tumor. This allows the team to calculate the exact dose of radiation needed and to design a plan that delivers the radiation to the target area with great accuracy.
How Does It Work?
Cancer cells typically divide and multiply much faster than most normal cells. This rapid division makes them particularly susceptible to DNA damage from radiation. While healthy cells also sustain damage, they can have more effective mechanisms for recovering from the effects of radiation. Treatment plans are designed to exploit this difference. By delivering radiation in a series, the treatment allows healthy tissues time to repair between doses. The cumulative damage to cancer cells leads to their death.
What Types Exist?
Radiation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are several different types, and the selection depends on many factors, including the type of cancer and its location in the body. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common form of therapy. A machine located outside the body directs high-energy beams at the tumor. There are several advanced forms of EBRT:
- 3D Conformal Therapy (3D-CRT): Uses detailed imaging to shape the radiation beams to match the three-dimensional shape of the tumor.
- Intensity-Modulated Therapy (IMRT): A more advanced form of therapy that allows the intensity of the radiation beams to be adjusted. This can enable a more precise dose distribution.
Internal radiation therapy involves placing a source of radiation inside the body, in or near the tumor. These can include:
- Brachytherapy: A solid radioactive source is implanted directly into the tumor or a body cavity.
- Systemic Therapy: A radioactive substance is administered orally or intravenously. It travels through the bloodstream, accumulating in cancer cells throughout the body to destroy them.
Consult a Radiation Oncologist
Every patient’s situation is unique, and a treatment plan must be developed by a qualified healthcare provider. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, meeting with a radiation oncologist is the best way to receive personalized care. They can explain the potential benefits and risks of radiation therapy as it pertains to a specific diagnosis and help you receive the treatment that’s best for your situation.
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