Radiation therapy is a crucial treatment option for many cancer patients. It involves using high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of radiation therapy, their indications, and the potential side effects that patients may experience. If you're searching for "radiation therapy near me ," read on to learn more about this important cancer treatment.

Understanding Radiation Therapy

How Does Radiation Therapy Treat Cancer?

Cancer originates when healthy cells undergo abnormal changes and start multiplying at an accelerated rate. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, thereby preventing them from growing or causing their destruction. Unlike systemic treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy is a local treatment that primarily affects the area of the body where the cancer is located. While healthy tissues surrounding the cancerous cells may experience some damage, they typically heal after the treatment ends.

Goals of Radiation Therapy

The indications of radiotherapy vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. It can be used as the primary treatment to eliminate cancer cells entirely, preventing their recurrence. In some cases, radiation therapy is administered before other treatments like surgery to shrink tumours, a technique known as neoadjuvant radiation therapy. It can also be given after other treatments to destroy any remaining cancer cells, referred to as adjuvant radiation therapy. Another goal of radiation therapy is palliation, which is used to alleviate the symptoms of cancer and improve the patient's quality of life.

Types of External-Beam Radiation Therapy

External-beam radiation therapy is the most common form of radiation treatment. It utilizes a machine that delivers radiation from outside the body, targeting cancerous areas. There are several types of external-beam radiation therapy, each with its unique characteristics:

• Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT):

This technique involves creating detailed 3-dimensional images of the cancer using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These images guide the delivery of radiation therapy, enabling higher doses to be administered while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): 

IMRT is a more advanced form of radiation therapy that adjusts the intensity of the radiation beam, allowing for precise targeting of the tumour while sparing nearby healthy tissues.

• Proton beam therapy: 

Proton therapy employs positively charged particles called protons to destroy cancer cells. Unlike X-rays, proton beams deliver a specific dose of radiation to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This treatment is currently reserved for certain types of cancer.

• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): 

IGRT involves using imaging techniques before and during radiation treatment to ensure accurate positioning of the radiation beam.

• Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT): 

SRT delivers high doses of radiation to small tumour areas with great precision. It is often completed in a single treatment or a few sessions, and it requires patients to remain still with the help of head frames or body moulds.

• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive materials directly into the cancerous tissue or the surrounding area. There are two main types of internal radiation therapy:

• Permanent implants: 

Tiny steel seeds containing radioactive material are inserted into the body. These implants deliver radiation therapy to the surrounding area, and over time, they become inactive while remaining in the body.

• Temporary internal radiation therapy: 

In this method, radioactive material is delivered through needles, catheters, or special applicators. The radiation remains in the body for a short period, usually minutes to days, and the patient may require a hospital stay during this time.

Other Radiation Therapy Treatment Options

Apart from external-beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, several other treatment options are available:

• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): This treatment delivers radiation therapy directly to the tumour during surgery. It allows surgeons to protect healthy tissues while effectively treating cancer cells.
• Systemic radiation therapy: Patients receive radioactive material orally or through injection, targeting cancer cells throughout the body. Radioactive substances are eliminated through urine, saliva, and sweat, requiring safety precautions to protect others from radiation exposure.
• Radioimmunotherapy: This type of systemic therapy utilizes monoclonal antibodies, proteins that selectively target cancer cells, to deliver radiation directly to tumours. Radioimmunotherapy minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Radiosensitizers and radioprotectors: Researchers are studying substances called radiosensitizers, which enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy against tumours, and radioprotectors, which protect nearby healthy tissues. These substances can potentially improve the outcomes of radiation therapy.

Potential Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

While radiation therapy effectively targets cancer cells, it can also cause side effects due to the impact on healthy tissues. The specific side effects experienced vary depending on the treatment area and individual factors. It's important to discuss radiation therapy's side effects with your healthcare team. Here are some common side effects associated with radiation therapy:

• Skin changes: Patients may experience redness, dryness, itching, or blistering of the skin in the treatment area.
• Fatigue: Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, which may gradually increase as treatment progresses.
• Hair loss: Depending on the treatment area, patients may experience temporary or permanent hair loss.
• Nausea and vomiting: Radiation therapy to the abdomen or brain may cause nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty swallowing: Radiation therapy targeting the head and neck region can lead to difficulty swallowing or a sore throat.
• Diarrhoea or bowel changes: Radiation therapy to the abdominal area may cause diarrhoea or other changes in bowel habits.
• Urinary problems: Radiation therapy near the urinary tract can result in urinary frequency, urgency, or discomfort.
• Sexual dysfunction: Depending on the treatment area, radiation therapy can impact sexual function and fertility.
• Long-term effects: Some side effects may persist or develop months or years after radiation therapy, such as fibrosis (scarring) or secondary cancers.

It's essential to communicate any side effects to your healthcare team, as they can provide strategies to manage or alleviate them. They may prescribe medication, recommend lifestyle modifications, or suggest supportive care services to improve your well-being during and after treatment.

Radiation therapy is a vital component of cancer treatment, offering the potential to eliminate cancer cells, shrink tumours, and improve quality of life. The different types of radiation therapy, including external-beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, provide tailored approaches to target cancerous cells while minimising damage to healthy tissues. While radiation therapy can cause side effects, proper management and support from your healthcare team can help alleviate these effects and enhance your overall well-being. If you require radiation therapy, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options and potential side effects for your specific situation.

For those seeking top-tier treatment facilities and state-of-the-art techniques, CION Cancer Clinics stands at the forefront of innovation in radiation therapy. With their patient-first approach, unparalleled expertise, and commitment to offering individualised care, CION is revolutionising the future of cancer treatment. Trust in the best; trust in CION.