Radiation Therapy / Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is an important cancer treatment that uses carefully targeted high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be recommended as a primary treatment or combined with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other cancer treatments, depending on the type, stage, and location of cancer.
How Radiation Therapy Works
During radiation treatment, specialized equipment delivers controlled radiation to the affected area while aiming to minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Treatment planning is highly personalized and may involve imaging scans and computer-assisted techniques to determine the appropriate treatment area and radiation dose.
Radiotherapy can be delivered externally using a radiation therapy machine or internally through a treatment called brachytherapy. The choice depends on the cancer type, location, treatment goals, and individual patient factors.
Benefits of Radiotherapy
Depending on the treatment plan, radiation therapy may help shrink tumors, destroy cancer cells, reduce the risk of cancer returning, or relieve symptoms caused by advanced cancer. It may be used for cancers affecting the breast, prostate, lung, brain, head and neck, cervix, and several other parts of the body.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before treatment begins, the radiation oncology team performs detailed planning to determine the appropriate dose and treatment schedule. Many radiotherapy sessions are completed on an outpatient basis, although the number and duration of sessions vary according to the patient's condition.
Side effects can differ depending on the treatment area and radiation dose. Your radiation oncologist will explain possible effects and provide guidance on managing them throughout treatment.