Radiation Therapy: Precision Cancer Treatment

Introduction & Overview

Radiation Therapy (or Radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA, preventing them from growing and dividing. It is one of the most effective treatments for many types of cancer and can be used alone or alongside other treatments like chemotherapy and surgery.

Radiation can be external beam radiation (delivered from outside the body) or internal radiation (brachytherapy), where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or near the tumor.

The goal of radiation therapy can be curative, adjuvant (to prevent recurrence), neoadjuvant (to shrink tumors before surgery), or palliative (to relieve pain and symptoms in advanced cancer).

Types of Radiation Therapy

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
• 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): e.g., Gamma Knife, CyberKnife
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
• Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)
• Proton Beam Therapy: Advanced form with less damage to surrounding tissue.
• Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT): Delivered during surgery.

Cancers Treated with Radiation Therapy

• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Brain Tumors
• Lung Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Cervical and Uterine Cancers
• Lymphoma
• Bone Metastases (for pain control)

Biological & Medical Insights

✔ Radiation causes irreparable DNA damage in cancer cells, leading to cell death.

✔ Cancer cells are less capable of repairing radiation-induced damage than normal cells.

✔ Fractionated radiation (spread out over multiple sessions) minimizes harm to healthy tissues.

Procedure: Step-by-Step

• Pre-Treatment Planning:
• CT Simulation to map the exact location of the tumor.
• Creation of custom immobilization devices for precise targeting.
• Radiation Sessions:
• Treatment sessions last 10–30 minutes, typically 5 days a week over several weeks.
• Painless procedure, with patients remaining awake throughout.
• Post-Treatment Monitoring:
• Follow-up scans to assess tumor response.
• Management of side effects like skin irritation or fatigue.

Before & After Treatment

Before: Tumor confirmed via imaging and biopsy, radiation plan designed.

After: Tumor shrinkage or elimination, with improved symptom control.

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

✔ Non-invasive treatment.

✔ Can precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

✔ Effective for both curative and palliative purposes.

Precautions & Risks

✔ Short-term side effects: skin redness, fatigue, nausea, and hair loss (localized to the treated area).

✔ Long-term risks: potential for radiation fibrosis or secondary cancers (rare).

Insights

✔ Advances like IMRT and proton therapy allow for highly targeted treatment with fewer side effects.

✔ Ongoing research in radiation sensitizers aims to improve tumor responsiveness.

✔ Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) improves precision during each session.

Why Choose MediHelp for Radiation Therapy?

✔ Cutting-Edge Radiation Facilities: Offering IMRT, SBRT, and proton therapy options.

✔ Expert Radiation Oncologists: Providing personalized treatment planning.

✔ Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Teams: Ensuring integrated and comprehensive treatment.

✔ Comprehensive Side Effect Management: Including skin care, nutrition, and psychological support.