Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. The therapy has been refined over the years to make it safer and more effective. Let’s explore what radiation therapy is, how it works, and its various applications in modern medicine.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, to target cancer cells. The goal is to damage the DNA of these cells, which stops them from growing and dividing. Over time, the damaged cancer cells die, allowing healthy cells to take their place.
Doctors often use radiation therapy in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, it is the primary treatment, especially when surgery isn’t an option.
How Radiation Therapy Works
The radiation used in therapy is carefully controlled to focus on the specific area where the cancer is located. This minimizes damage to healthy tissue. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation and internal radiation (also called brachytherapy).
External beam radiation is the most common method. A machine directs radiation at the cancer from outside the body. It’s a painless process and usually lasts only a few minutes per session. Most patients receive treatment five days a week for several weeks.
Internal radiation involves placing a radioactive source directly inside the body near the cancer. This method delivers higher doses of radiation to the cancer cells while limiting exposure to nearby healthy cells. Internal radiation is commonly used for cancers of the prostate, cervix, or breast.
Types of Cancer Treated with Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is effective for treating many different types of cancer. It is commonly used for cancers of the breast, lung, prostate, and brain. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, radiation may be used to cure the disease, control its growth, or relieve symptoms.
For breast cancer, radiation therapy is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. In prostate cancer, it can be a primary treatment, especially for early-stage disease. Radiation is also important in treating brain tumors because it can target specific areas without harming surrounding tissue.
Doctors tailor radiation treatments based on the specific needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Like any medical treatment, radiation therapy can cause side effects. However, these vary depending on the part of the body being treated and the dosage used. Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and hair loss in the treated area.
Fatigue is the most common side effect, and it can last for weeks after the treatment ends. Skin irritation occurs because radiation can affect healthy cells in the skin, causing redness, dryness, or itching. These effects usually go away after the treatment is completed.
In some cases, radiation therapy can cause long-term side effects, such as changes in the treated organ’s function. For example, patients treated for lung cancer might experience breathing difficulties if the lungs are affected. However, advances in technology have greatly reduced the chances of severe side effects.
The Future of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy continues to evolve, with ongoing research leading to new methods and technologies. Innovations like proton therapy and stereotactic radiation are making treatments more precise, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. These advancements hold promise for better results and fewer side effects.
Proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays, allowing doctors to deliver higher doses of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Stereotactic radiation is another advanced method, which uses imaging techniques to precisely target cancer cells in difficult-to-reach areas, such as the brain or spine.
As technology improves, radiation therapy will become an even more powerful tool in the fight against cancer.
Learn More About Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a critical treatment option for many types of cancer. It works by using controlled doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. With its ability to treat a wide range of cancers and the ongoing advancements in the field, radiation therapy remains an essential part of modern medicine.
While side effects can occur, they are often manageable, and new techniques are helping to reduce them. The future of radiation therapy is bright, offering hope for even more effective treatments and better patient outcomes.