Radiation Therapy

Definition

Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It works by damaging the DNA of the cancerous cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This method can be used as a primary treatment for cancer or in combination with other treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally through a process known as brachytherapy.
2. It is effective in targeting specific areas, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which makes it a preferred option for localized cancers.
3. Patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in appetite, which vary based on the area being treated.
4. The timing of radiation therapy can be crucial; it can be given before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
5. New advancements in radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), allow for more precise targeting of tumors while reducing treatment duration.

Review Questions

• How does radiation therapy work to treat cancer, and what role does it play in combination with other treatments?
  • Radiation therapy works by using high doses of radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death or preventing their ability to divide. It plays a vital role in cancer treatment by either serving as a primary treatment to shrink tumors or as an adjunct to other therapies like chemotherapy and surgery. When used together, these treatments can enhance overall effectiveness, increase survival rates, and minimize the chances of recurrence.
• Discuss the different methods of delivering radiation therapy and how they affect treatment outcomes.
  • Radiation therapy can be delivered through external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) using a linear accelerator or through internal methods like brachytherapy. EBRT targets tumors from outside the body, making it suitable for many types of cancers. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumor, allowing for higher doses at a localized site while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Each method impacts treatment outcomes differently, with factors like tumor type, location, and patient health influencing the choice of delivery method.
• Evaluate the advancements in radiation therapy techniques and their implications for cancer treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life.
  • Advancements in radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), have significantly improved treatment effectiveness by allowing for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. These innovations lead to fewer side effects and shorter recovery times, enhancing patient quality of life during and after treatment. The ability to personalize radiation delivery according to individual tumor characteristics and patient needs continues to revolutionize cancer care and improve overall outcomes.

Related terms

Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth, often used in combination with radiation therapy.

Radiation Oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy and oversees the patient's treatment plan.

Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue that can be benign or malignant, where malignant tumors are cancerous and may spread to other parts of the body.