Understanding Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Among the numerous treatments for cancer, radiation therapy, commonly known as radiotherapy, is a powerful and precise tool.
Radiotherapy is a localised cancer treatment that employs high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike systemic treatments like chemotherapy, which affect the entire body, radiotherapy specifically focuses on the affected area, making it a precise and potent weapon against cancer.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to damage the DNA within cancer cells, preventing their growth and division. While healthy cells can also be affected, they have a remarkable ability to repair themselves. Cancer cells, however, are often less capable of repair, making them more vulnerable to the radiation’s effects.
There are several types of radiotherapy.
1. External Beam Radiotherapy: In this approach, a machine outside the body delivers precise radiation beams to the tumour. This is the most common form of radiotherapy.
2. Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): Radioactive materials are placed directly inside or very close to the tumour. This method is commonly used for prostate and gynaecological cancers.
3. Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Also known as radiosurgery, this highly focused form of radiotherapy is used for small, well-defined tumours, often in the brain.
4. Particle Therapy: This advanced form of radiotherapy uses protons or other charged particles, offering even more precise targeting.
Radiotherapy serves multiple roles in cancer treatment.
It can be the first line of treatment, especially when the tumor is localised and difficult to remove surgically. It may be administered after surgery, as adjuvant therapy, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. As neo-adjuvant therapy, radiotherapy is used before surgery to shrink tumours, making surgical removal more effective.
In advanced cancer cases, radiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Radiotherapy offers several advantages, including high precision, localised treatment and reduced side effects.
Advanced technologies like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy) allow for precise targeting, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy has made a significant impact on countless lives, offering hope and effective treatment options.