What Is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation oncology is a vital field in cancer care that uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. By focusing beams or radioactive sources on tumors, this treatment aims to shrink growths, stop cancer from spreading, or relieve symptoms. It’s a widely used approach, often combined with other therapies like surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the cancer type and stage.
How Radiation Therapy Works?
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from growing or dividing. Unlike healthy cells, which can often repair themselves, cancer cells are more vulnerable to this damage. The process is carefully planned to focus radiation on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Treatments are typically delivered using advanced machines or internal sources, depending on the method.
Types of Radiation Therapy
Several techniques are used in radiation oncology, each suited to different cancers and patient needs:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Radiation beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body, commonly used for many cancer types.
Brachytherapy: Small radioactive materials are placed inside or near the tumor, often for cancers like prostate or cervical.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A precise, high-dose method delivered in fewer sessions, typically for brain or spine tumors.
The Treatment Process
Radiation therapy involves a series of steps to ensure accuracy and effectiveness:
- Planning: Imaging scans (like CT or MRI) map the tumor’s location.
- Delivery: Radiation is administered in sessions, often daily over several weeks.
- Monitoring: Progress is tracked to adjust the plan as needed.
Sessions are usually short—lasting 10-30 minutes—and painless, though preparation and positioning take additional time.
Benefits of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy offers several advantages in cancer treatment:
– Targets tumors with precision, sparing more healthy tissue.
– Can shrink tumors before surgery or ease symptoms like pain in advanced cases.
– Proven effective for cancers such as breast, lung, and head-and-neck tumors.
Possible Side Effects
While effective, radiation therapy may cause side effects, which vary by treatment area and individual:
– Fatigue from the body’s healing process.
– Skin changes (redness or irritation) at the treatment site.
– Temporary hair loss in the radiated area.
Most side effects are temporary and manageable with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is radiation therapy painful?
A: No, the treatment itself feels like getting an X-ray—no discomfort during delivery.
Q: How long does a course of radiation last?
A: It typically spans 3-7 weeks, with sessions 5 days a week, though this varies.
Q: Can radiation cure cancer?
A: It can be curative for some cancers or used to control growth and symptoms in others.