Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.

 It is one of the primary treatment options for cancer, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. The goal of radiotherapy is to damage the DNA within cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing, while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissues.

There are two main types of radiotherapy:

1. External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT):

 This is the most common form of radiotherapy. In EBRT, a machine called a linear accelerator delivers precise beams of radiation from outside the patient's body, targeting the tumor from different angles. The treatment is typically given daily over several weeks, with breaks on weekends, to allow healthy tissues time to recover between sessions.

2. Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy):

Brachytherapy involves placing a radiation source directly inside or very close to the tumor. This can be done by inserting radioactive implants or seeds into the body temporarily or permanently. Brachytherapy is often used for certain cancers like prostate, cervical, and breast cancer.

Radiotherapy can be used for various purposes in cancer treatment:

·        Curative Treatment:

 In some cases, radiotherapy is given with the intent to cure the cancer. It may be used as the primary treatment or combined with surgery or chemotherapy.

·        Palliative Treatment:

 Radiotherapy can be used to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. It can help shrink tumors that are causing pain or discomfort, control bleeding, and alleviate other cancer-related symptoms.

Adjuvant Treatment:

 After surgery to remove a tumor, adjuvant radiotherapy may be administered to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the area where the tumor was removed.

·        Neoadjuvant Treatment:

Radiotherapy given before surgery can help shrink large tumors, making them easier to remove surgically.

·        Combination Therapy:

 Radiotherapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapy to increase its effectiveness.

Before starting radiotherapy, a team of healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, carefully plan the treatment to ensure precise targeting of the tumor while sparing healthy tissues as much as possible. Modern radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), allow for highly precise and accurate delivery of radiation.

As with any cancer treatment, radiotherapy can cause side effects, which vary depending on the treated area and the individual's response. Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, nausea, and temporary hair loss. Most side effects improve after treatment ends.

Overall, radiotherapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment and has significantly improved outcomes for many cancer patients. Research and advancements in radiotherapy continue to refine the techniques and increase treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.