Radiation therapy

Definition

Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells in order to shrink tumors or eliminate malignancies. This technique can be used as a primary treatment, or alongside surgery, chemotherapy, or other cancer treatments, and it takes advantage of the ability of radiation to disrupt the DNA of rapidly dividing cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally through machines like linear accelerators or internally through radioactive implants.
2. It is commonly used to treat various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and brain cancers.
3. The treatment is usually planned meticulously by a radiation oncologist to maximize tumor damage while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues.
4. Side effects of radiation therapy can include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized pain, which vary based on the treatment area.
5. Radiation therapy can also be palliative, meaning it aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.

Review Questions

• How does radiation therapy target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue?
  • Radiation therapy targets cancer cells by delivering high doses of radiation specifically to the tumor site, which disrupts the DNA of rapidly dividing cells. Advanced imaging techniques help radiation oncologists accurately plan the treatment so that the beams are precisely directed at the tumor. This careful targeting is critical in reducing exposure and potential damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Discuss the role of a radiation oncologist in the planning and administration of radiation therapy.
  • A radiation oncologist plays a crucial role in managing a patient's treatment plan by evaluating the type and stage of cancer and determining the appropriate radiation technique. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that the dosage and schedule optimize tumor control while minimizing side effects. The oncologist also monitors patient responses throughout treatment, adjusting protocols as needed.
• Evaluate the impact of advances in technology on the effectiveness and safety of radiation therapy for cancer patients.
  • Advances in technology have significantly improved the effectiveness and safety of radiation therapy. Innovations such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) enable more precise targeting of tumors with minimal impact on healthy tissue. These technologies allow for higher doses to be delivered safely, improving outcomes and reducing side effects. Furthermore, real-time imaging during treatment helps ensure accuracy and adapt plans according to patient movements or changes in tumor size.

Related terms

ionizing radiation: A type of radiation that carries enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing them and potentially causing damage to biological tissues.

radiation oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer, responsible for planning and administering radiation therapy.

brachytherapy: A form of radiation therapy where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or very close to the tumor, allowing for a targeted treatment with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.