Radiotherapy is administered by radiation oncologists and utilizes high-energy waves targeted at specific parts of the body.
In the Department of Radiation Oncology, ionizing radiation is used to control malignant tumors as part of cancer treatment. Devices such as Linear Accelerators, developed to precisely deliver radiation to the affected area, are required for this purpose. Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, involves using these devices to deliver high-dose radiation to destroy cancerous tissue or provide palliation.
In our Radiation Oncology Department, services are provided by radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiotherapy technicians, nurses, dosimetrists, radiation protection experts, and patient consultants. Additionally, a multidisciplinary approach is taken for critical treatment planning steps, such as assessing tumor spread and staging, with patients evaluated jointly by multiple clinics, including Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, and Pathology.
Modalities used in treatment processes in the Department of Radiation Oncology are as follows:
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How Does Radiotherapy Work?
High-dose radiation prevents the growth of cells or kills them. Since cancerous cells grow and divide faster than most normal cells, radiotherapy is effective in treating numerous cancers. Meanwhile, normal cells may also be affected by radiation, but most recover. To protect healthy cells, doctors carefully limit the dose of radiation and extend the treatment period. Additionally, various methods are used to minimize the exposure of healthy cells while delivering radiation to the cancerous area.
What Are the Aims and Benefits of Radiotherapy?
The aim of radiotherapy is to destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.
Radiotherapy is a localized treatment method, similar to surgical procedures, that targets cancer cells in specific parts of the body. In some cases, radiation oncologists combine radiotherapy with systemic treatments like chemotherapy, which affects the entire body.
More than half of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment. Doctors use radiotherapy to treat nearly every type of cancer, and it can also be effective for some benign tumors.
Your doctor may recommend radiotherapy at various stages of your cancer treatment for different purposes, including:
What Are the Risks of Radiotherapy?
High-dose radiotherapy, while effective at destroying cancer cells, can also damage or kill healthy cells. Most side effects are well-documented and manageable with the assistance of your radiation oncologist and nurse. Typically, the benefits of eliminating cancer cells outweigh the risks.
Side effects vary based on the area of the body treated and the radiation dose. Some patients experience no side effects, while others may have several. Most side effects are temporary, manageable, and subside after treatment.
| Part of body being treated | Common side effects |
|---|---|
| Any part | Hair loss at treatment site (sometimes permanent), skin irritation at treatment site, fatigue |
| Head and neck | Dry mouth, thickened saliva, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, changes in taste, nausea, mouth sores, tooth decay |
| Chest | Difficulty swallowing, cough, shortness of breath |
| Abdomen | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Pelvis | Diarrhea, bladder irritation, frequent urination, sexual dysfunction |
Source: National Cancer Institute, 2007
Some side effects may appear later. For example, a second primary cancer, different from the first one treated with radiation, may develop years later, although this is rare. Ask your doctor about both short- and long-term side effects that may occur after your treatment.
What Are the Methods of Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy can be applied using two methods: external or internal.
External radiotherapy uses a machine to direct high-energy beams into the cancerous area and the surrounding healthy tissue.
Internal radiotherapy involves placing a radiation source directly inside the tumor or the targeted tissue.
For some patients, both methods may be used concurrently. External radiotherapy is the most common and is typically administered as an outpatient or day treatment at hospitals or medical centers.
CT stimulation is the first step in planning radiotherapy. A CT scan usually takes less than 5 minutes and is completely painless. During this session, fixation materials like a mask (for immobilization) are provided to ensure proper positioning and stability.
Before treatment begins, a radiation oncologist and medical physicist prepare a treatment plan based on the CT scan results. Radiotherapy technicians then carry out the sessions according to this plan.
External radiotherapy does not make your body radioactive. Therefore, it is safe to be around others during your treatment. Most side effects are localized to the treated area. Many patients experience little to no side effects. Your doctor and nurse will guide you on what to expect and how to manage any side effects.
Visit our page titled “Side Effects of Radiotherapy” for detailed information on potential side effects.
What Can You Do to Take Care of Yourself During Radiotherapy?
Nearly every patient undergoing radiotherapy needs to take extra care to maintain their health and support the treatment process.
Here are some important guidelines to follow:
Before starting external beam radiotherapy, your healthcare team will guide you through a planning process to ensure the radiation targets the precise area in your body. Planning typically includes:
During simulation, your radiation therapy team will help you find a comfortable position for treatment.
Since you need to remain still during treatment, finding a comfortable position is crucial. You will lie on a table similar to the one used during radiotherapy. Cushions and restraints may be used to ensure proper positioning and stability.
Your radiotherapy team will mark the treatment area on your body. These marks may be temporary (using a marker) or permanent (small tattoos), depending on your situation.
Your radiotherapy team will perform computerized tomography (CT) scans to identify the exact area to be treated.
Following the planning process, your radiotherapy team will determine the type and dose of radiation you need based on your cancer type, stage, overall health, and treatment goals.
The radiation beams’ exact dose and focus are meticulously planned to maximize their impact on cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
External beam radiation therapy is typically administered using a linear accelerator, a machine that delivers high-energy beams of radiation to your body.
While lying on a table, the linear accelerator moves around you to deliver radiation from different angles. It is customized to deliver the exact dose your doctor has prescribed for your situation.
External beam radiation therapy is usually provided on an outpatient basis, five days a week, over several weeks. This schedule allows healthy cells to recover between sessions.
Each session typically lasts 7 to 15 minutes. In some cases, a single session may be used to alleviate pain or other symptoms caused by advanced cancers.
During a treatment session, you will lie in the position determined during your simulation. Molds may be used to help hold you in place.
The linear accelerator may rotate around your body to target the area from various angles. It produces a buzzing sound during operation.
You will lie still and breathe normally during the treatment, which lasts only a few minutes. For patients with lung or breast cancer, you may be instructed to hold your breath during the procedure.
Your radiotherapy team will remain in a nearby room with video and audio connections to monitor and communicate with you. Let them know if you feel uncomfortable, but the procedure should be painless.
You can read the article “How Cancer Is Treated?” for more information on the types of cancer treatments.
Your doctor may recommend periodic scans after treatment to monitor how your cancer has responded to radiotherapy.
In some cases, cancer responds to treatment quickly. In others, it may take weeks or months to observe the effects.
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