Radiation therapy

Definition

Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, aiming to shrink tumors and prevent the spread of cancer. It is often used in combination with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, making it a crucial part of cancer management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally using a machine called a linear accelerator or internally through brachytherapy.
2. The treatment can be used as a primary therapy to destroy cancer cells or as adjuvant therapy to complement surgery and chemotherapy.
3. Side effects can include fatigue, skin irritation, and damage to nearby healthy tissues, but they often vary based on the area being treated.
4. Precision in radiation delivery has improved with advancements in imaging technologies, allowing for better targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
5. Radiation therapy can also be used for non-cancerous conditions, such as certain benign tumors and even some autoimmune diseases.

Review Questions

• How does radiation therapy work at the cellular level to treat cancer?
  • Radiation therapy works by using high doses of ionizing radiation to damage the DNA within cancer cells. This damage inhibits their ability to grow and divide, ultimately leading to cell death. Healthy cells can also be affected by radiation; however, they are generally better at repairing themselves than cancer cells. Therefore, the treatment is designed to maximize damage to tumor cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Discuss the role of a radiation oncologist in the treatment process for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
  • A radiation oncologist plays a vital role in the treatment process by assessing the patient's condition, determining the best course of action, and devising a tailored treatment plan. They consider factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and previous treatments. Throughout the course of radiation therapy, the oncologist monitors the patient's response and manages any side effects, ensuring optimal care and adjustments as needed.
• Evaluate the advancements in radiation therapy technology and how they have changed treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
  • Advancements in radiation therapy technology, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), have significantly improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients. These technologies allow for more precise targeting of tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. As a result, patients experience fewer side effects and better preservation of quality of life. The ability to adapt treatment based on real-time imaging also enhances effectiveness, potentially leading to higher survival rates.

Related terms

Ionizing Radiation: A type of radiation that carries enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to cell damage and making it effective in killing cancer cells.

Radiation Oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with radiation therapy, responsible for developing and overseeing treatment plans for patients.

Brachytherapy: A form of radiation therapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or very close to the tumor, delivering targeted radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.