Radiation therapy

Definition

Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. By damaging the DNA within these cells, radiation therapy helps prevent their ability to grow and divide, making it an essential component in cancer treatment protocols.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiation therapy can be used as a primary treatment for cancer or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to enhance overall effectiveness.
2. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which delivers radiation from outside the body, and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), where the source is placed inside the body.
3. Radiation therapy is typically administered in several sessions over a period of weeks to maximize its effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
4. Side effects of radiation therapy can include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized effects depending on the area being treated, but many side effects are temporary.
5. Advancements in technology, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), have improved precision and reduced side effects associated with treatment.

Review Questions

• How does radiation therapy specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue?
  • Radiation therapy targets cancer cells by delivering high doses of radiation that primarily affects rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells tend to divide more quickly than normal cells, making them more susceptible to damage. Techniques like IMRT allow for precise targeting of tumor areas, enabling higher doses of radiation to be focused on the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, which can help reduce side effects.
• Evaluate the differences between external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in terms of application and effectiveness.
  • External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) involves directing high-energy beams from outside the body toward the tumor, allowing for larger treatment areas and the ability to treat tumors that may not be easily accessible. In contrast, brachytherapy places radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumor, providing a concentrated dose of radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Both methods are effective but may be chosen based on tumor type, location, and patient-specific factors.
• Assess the impact of advancements in radiation therapy technologies on patient outcomes and quality of life during treatment.
  • Advancements in radiation therapy technologies have significantly improved patient outcomes by enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments. Techniques like IMRT and SBRT allow for more accurate targeting of tumors, reducing side effects and improving recovery times. As a result, patients experience better quality of life during treatment, with fewer disruptions to daily activities and less severe side effects, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction with their overall cancer care experience.

Related terms

Radiation oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in treating cancer patients with radiation therapy, responsible for planning and overseeing the treatment process.

Linear accelerator: A device commonly used in radiation therapy to generate high-energy x-rays or electrons for treating cancerous tissues.

Brachytherapy: A form of radiation therapy where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or near the tumor, allowing for targeted treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.