Radiation therapy

Definition

Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells and shrink tumors. This technique is often employed in cancer treatment, targeting the DNA of cancerous cells to prevent their growth and division while sparing surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible. It can be administered externally via a machine or internally through radioactive materials placed near the tumor.

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 and chemotherapy to improve outcomes.
2. The treatment plan for radiation therapy is highly individualized, taking into account the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.
3. Side effects of radiation therapy can include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized pain, which vary based on the area being treated.
4. Advancements in technology have led to techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which allows for more precise targeting of tumors.
5. Patients typically undergo multiple sessions of radiation therapy over several weeks, depending on their specific treatment plan.

Review Questions

• How does radiation therapy target cancer cells while attempting to spare healthy tissue during treatment?
  • Radiation therapy targets cancer cells by delivering high doses of radiation that specifically damage the DNA of those cells, inhibiting their ability to grow and divide. Advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) help achieve this goal by precisely shaping the radiation dose to conform to the tumor's shape, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This selective targeting is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of treatment while reducing potential side effects.
• Discuss the different types of radiation therapy and how they are applied in cancer treatment.
  • There are primarily two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy). External beam therapy uses a machine called a linear accelerator to direct high-energy rays at the tumor from outside the body. In contrast, brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources inside or close to the tumor itself. Each type has its specific applications depending on factors like tumor location, size, and type, allowing for tailored approaches in patient care.
• Evaluate the implications of advancements in radiation therapy technologies on patient outcomes and treatment efficacy.
  • Advancements in radiation therapy technologies, such as IMRT and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), have significantly improved patient outcomes by allowing for more precise delivery of radiation doses. These technologies minimize damage to healthy tissues surrounding tumors, leading to fewer side effects and improved quality of life during treatment. Furthermore, enhanced imaging techniques help in accurate tumor localization and tracking, ultimately increasing the overall effectiveness of cancer therapies and contributing to better survival rates.

Related terms

Radiotherapy: Another term for radiation therapy, often used interchangeably, referring specifically to the use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer.

Linear Accelerator: A device commonly used in external beam radiation therapy that generates high-energy x-rays or electrons for treatment.

Brachytherapy: A type of internal radiation therapy where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or very close to the tumor.