Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to see inside your body and take pictures, such as x-rays of your teeth or broken bones. How is radiation therapy given?
How is radiation therapy used to treat cancer?
Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy External beam radiation uses high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Beams of radiation are precisely aimed at the cancer using a machine that moves around your body.
How do radiation and anti-cancer drugs work together?
Certain drugs (called radiosensitizers) help radiation work better by making cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. Research has shown that when anti-cancer drugs and radiation are given together for certain types of cancer, they can help each other work even better than if they were given alone.
Can chemoradiation be used to treat colon cancer?
For some colon and rectal cancers, treating with chemotherapy at the same time can make radiation therapy work better. Using these 2 treatments together is called chemoradiation. It's not common to use radiation therapy to treat colon cancer, but it may be used in certain cases:
Why do people with lung cancer get radiation therapy?
For instance, people with certain kinds of lung cancer may get radiation to the head, even when there is no cancer known to be there, because their type of lung cancer often spreads to the brain. This is done to help prevent cancer from spreading to the head even before it can.
Why do they do radiation instead of chemo?
The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.
At what stage of cancer is radiotherapy used?
Radiotherapy may be used in the early stages of cancer or after it has started to spread. It can be used to: try to cure the cancer completely (curative radiotherapy) make other treatments more effective – for example, it can be combined with chemotherapy or used before surgery (neo-adjuvant radiotherapy)
Why do doctors recommend radiation?
Radiation oncologists may use radiation to cure cancer, to control the growth of the cancer or to relieve symptoms, such as pain. Radiation therapy works by damaging cells. Normal cells are able to repair themselves, whereas cancer cells cannot.
What comes first chemo or radiation?
Radiation generally starts after chemotherapy is done.
What is the success rate of radiation therapy?
“When patients are treated with modern external-beam radiation therapy, the overall cure rate was 93.3% with a metastasis-free survival rate at 5 years of 96.9%.
Do tumors grow back after radiation?
Normal cells close to the cancer can also become damaged by radiation, but most recover and go back to working normally. If radiotherapy doesn't kill all of the cancer cells, they will regrow at some point in the future.
Is radiation treatment painful?
Does radiation therapy hurt? No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. But the side effects that people may get from radiation therapy can cause pain and discomfort. This booklet has a lot of information about ways that you and your doctor and nurse can help manage side effects.
What's the difference between chemo and radiation?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both treatments for cancer – the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells to surrounding tissues. Chemotherapy, or “chemo,” uses special drugs to shrink or kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy, or “radiation,” kills these cells with high-energy beams such as X-rays or protons.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells.Yo...
Who Gets Radiation Therapy?
More than half of people with cancer get radiation therapy. Sometimes, radiation therapy is the only cancer treatment needed.
What Are The Goals of Radiation Therapy?
Most types of radiation therapy don’t reach all parts of the body, which means they’re not helpful in treating cancer that has spread to many place...
How Is Radiation Therapy given?
Radiation therapy can be given in 3 ways: 1. External radiation (or external beam radiation): uses a machine that directs high-energy rays from out...
Who Gives Radiation Therapy Treatments?
During your radiation therapy, a team of highly trained medical professionals will care for you. Your team may include these people: 1. Radiation o...
Does Radiation Therapy Cause Cancer?
It has long been known that radiation therapy can slightly raise the risk of getting another cancer. It’s one of the possible side effects of treat...
Does Radiation Therapy Affect Pregnancy Or Fertility?
Women: It’s important not to become pregnant while getting radiation – it can harm the growing baby. If there’s a chance you might become pregnant,...
Questions to Ask About Radiation Therapy
Before treatment, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form saying that your doctor has explained how radiation therapy may help, the possible risks,...
Will I Be Radioactive During Or After External Radiation Treatment?
External radiation therapy affects cells in your body only for a moment. Because there’s no radiation source in your body, you are not radioactive...
What is the treatment for cancer?
Radioembolization. Cancer Caused by Radiation Therapy. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, your doctor may suggest you get radiation therapy. It's a common treatment that shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells -- and might be the only one you need to tackle your disease.
What kind of radiation therapy is used for cancer?
The kind of radiation therapy you get depends on things like: The two main types of radiation therapy for cancer are: External beam radiation therapy . A large machine aims radiation beams from outside your body to a cancer tumor from many angles. It can treat a variety of cancers.
How to treat cancer before surgery?
The aim is to treat your cancer by slowing or stopping tumor growth. Your doctor may sometimes suggest you get radiation therapy to shrink a tumor before you get surgery. Or they may recommend it after surgery to keep a tumor from coming back. If cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body, radiation therapy can kill them ...
How does brachytherapy work?
They put it inside you using a small tube called a catheter or a device known as an applicator. Brachytherapy usually treats head, neck, breast, cervix, endometrial, prostate, and eye cancers. If your doctor uses a low dose of radiation in brachytherapy, they'll remove the implant after several days. If they use a higher dose, they usually take it ...
How long does it take for radiation to go away?
If they use a higher dose, they usually take it out after 10 to 20 minutes, and you'll get two doses a day for around 2 to 5 weeks. Depending on the type and location of your cancer and the other treatments you've had, your doctor may also place an implant in your body permanently and the radiation will weaken with time.
How long does radiation treatment take?
A visit usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, most of which is spent getting you in the correct position. The treatment itself usually takes 5 minutes or less.
What tests are done to check for cancer?
They may also order lab and imaging tests, including blood tests, X-rays, or CT, MRI, or PET scans, to check for signs of cancer.
Why do we need radiation therapy?
Why it's done. Radiation therapy kills cancer cells. It's often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will come back. It can also be used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of advanced breast cancer.
What is radiation therapy for breast cancer?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer uses high-energy X-rays, protons or other particles to kill cancer cells. Rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells, are more susceptible to the effects of radiation therapy than are normal cells. The X-rays or particles are painless and invisible.
What is the most common type of radiation after a lumpectomy?
One of the most common types of radiation therapy after a lumpectomy is external beam radiation of the whole breast (whole-breast irradiation). Radiation to part of the breast. Radiation therapy to part of the breast (partial-breast irradiation) may be an option for some early-stage breast cancers.
What is radiation after a lumpectomy?
Adding radiation after a lumpectomy reduces the risk that cancer will return in the affected breast. Lumpectomy combined with radiation therapy is often referred to as breast conservation therapy. This type of treatment is as effective as having all the breast tissue removed (mastectomy).
What is the best treatment for breast cancer after lumpectomy?
Radiation after lumpectomy. If you're having an operation to remove the breast cancer and leave the remaining breast tissue intact (lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery), your doctor may recommend radiation after your procedure to kill any cancer cells that might remain.
What is the procedure to remove breast cancer?
Internal radiation (brachytherapy). After you have surgery to remove the cancer, your doctor temporarily places a radiation-delivery device in your breast in the area where the cancer once was. A radioactive source is placed into the device for short periods of time over the course of your treatment.
How to reduce the risk of breast cancer after surgery?
Radiation therapy is an effective way to reduce your risk of breast cancer recurring after surgery. In addition, it is commonly used to ease the symptoms caused by cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer).
What is informed consent for radiation?
Giving permission for radiation therapy. If you choose to receive radiation therapy, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. Signing the document means: Your team gave you information about your treatment options. You choose to have radiation therapy.
Why is it important to be in the same position for radiation?
It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy.
What type of doctor is responsible for radiation therapy?
Radiation oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. Radiation oncology nurse.
What is simulation in radiation therapy?
Simulating and planning treatment. Your first radiation therapy session is a simulation. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy. Your team will use imaging scans to identify the tumor location.
How long does radiation therapy last?
It is the most common radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body.
How often should you check for radiation?
During your treatment, your radiation oncologist will check how well it is working. Typically, this will happen at least once a week. If needed, they may adjust your treatment plan.
How long does it take for radiation to go away?
The 2-day break in treatment each week allows your body some time to repair this damage. Some of the effects may not go away until the treatment period is completed. Let the health care professionals if you are experiencing side effects. Read more about the side effects of radiation therapy.
How does radiation work?
The radiation is focused on the cancer from a machine outside the body. It's a lot like getting an x-ray, but the radiation is more intense. How often and how long a person gets radiation treatments depends on the reason the radiation is being given and other factors.
What is the treatment for colon cancer?
Radiation therapy is a treatment using high-energy rays (such as x-rays) or particles to destroy cancer cells. It's more often used to treat rectal cancer than colon cancer. For some colon and rectal cancers, treating with chemotherapy at the same time can make radiation therapy work better. Using these 2 treatments together is called chemoradiation.
What is intraoperative radiation therapy?
This is called intraoperative radiation therapy or IORT. Along with chemo to help control cancer if a person is not healthy enough for surgery. To ease symptoms if advanced colon cancer is causing intestinal blockage, bleeding, or pain. To help treat colon cancer that has spread to other areas, such as the bones, lungs, or brain.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Possible side effects of radiation therapy for colon and rectal cancer can include: Skin irritation at the site where radiation beams were aimed, which can range from redness to blistering and peeling. Problems with wound healing if radiation was given before surgery. Nausea. Rectal irritation, which can cause diarrhea, painful bowel movements, ...
What is the term for the treatment of cancer cells that have been left behind?
During surgery, right to the area where the cancer was, to kill any cancer cells that may be left behind. This is called intraoperative radiation therapy or IORT.
Can chemo be done before surgery?
Giving chemoradiation before surgery can also help lower the chances of damaging the sphincter muscles in the rectum when surgery is done. In either case, nearby lymph nodes are usually treated too. During surgery, right to the area where the tumor was, to kill any rectal cancer cells that may be left behind.
Can radiation be used before surgery?
Many doctors now favor giving radiation therapy before surgery, as it may make it easier to remove the cancer, especially if the cancer's size and/or location might make surgery difficult. This is called neoadjuvant treatment.
How do you give radiation to cancer cells?
They can be given by mouth or put into a vein ; they then travel throughout the body. Although these drugs travel through your whole body, they can find and collect in places where the cancer cells are located. This helps them deliver radiation doses exactly to the tumor or area where the cancer cells are found.
Why do we use radioactive drugs?
There are also radioactive drugs that are used to help diagnose other non-cancer health problems .
How long does radiation stay in your body?
Systemic radiation uses an unsealed radioactive substance that goes through your whole body. Because of this, some radiation will be in your body for a few days until your body has had a chance to get rid of it. You may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days, and may need to take special precautions at home.
What is systemic radiation therapy?
Systemic radiation therapy uses radioactive drugs (called radiopharmaceuticals or radionuclides) to treat certain types of cancer, including thyroid, bone, and prostate cancer. These are liquid drugs made up of a radioactive substance. They can be given by mouth or put into a vein; they then travel throughout the body.
How long after radiation therapy should you follow safety precautions?
In most cases, the safety precautions must be followed only the first few days after treatment. To learn more, see Radiation Therapy Safety. It's very important to be sure you understand what you need to do to protect the people around you. Talk to your cancer care team about your specific situation. Written by.
Why is it important to protect yourself from radiation?
This is because the radioactive materials can leave your body through saliva, sweat, blood, and urine, and that makes these fluids radioactive. It's very important to keep radiation exposure to the people around you as limited as possible.
What is the treatment for cancer called?
One type of radiopharmaceutical is called radioimmunotherapy. This treatment combines a small amount of radioactive material with a special drug called a monoclonal antibody. The radioactive material acts as a tracer that can find and attach to cancer cells, then the monoclonal antibody is delivered directly to the cells.
What is the term for the precise radiation treatment of a tumor?
The term "surgery" is used to describe the accurate nature of the radiation beams. This type of treatment delivers a large, precise radiation dose to the tumor area in a single session. It is not used as often as brachytherapy or proton beam therapy as the initial treatment for eye melanomas. Different machines can be used to deliver radiation in ...
How does radiation help with eye cancer?
Radiation Therapy for Eye Cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is a common treatment for eye melanoma. Radiation therapy can often save some vision in the eye. Sometimes vision might be lost if the radiation damages other parts of the eye. An advantage over surgery is that the eye structure is preserved, ...
What is proton beam radiation?
Proton beam radiation therapy: Instead of using x-rays as in standard radiation therapy , this approach aims proton beams toward the cancer. Unlike x-rays, which release energy both before and after they hit their target, protons cause little damage to tissues they pass through and release their energy only after traveling a certain distance.
How long does it take to remove a radioactive plaque?
An operation is needed to put the plaque (a small round piece of metal that holds the radioactive seeds) in place. This surgery usually takes 1 or 2 hours and can be done with local anesthetic (numbing medicine) and sedation.
What are the advantages of radiation therapy for eye cancer?
An advantage over surgery is that the eye structure is preserved, which can result in a better appearance after treatment. Different types of radiation therapy can be used to treat eye cancers.
Can radiation damage your eyes?
The main concern with radiation therapy is damage to parts of the eye, leading to problems such as blurry vision, dry eye, cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye), loss of eye lashes, problems with tear ducts, or bleeding into the eye. Some of these treatments can result in partial or complete loss of vision or other problems, which might not happen right away and may worsen with time. The risk depends on the size and location of the tumor.
Is there surgery for protons?
Stereotactic radiosurgery: Despite the name, there is no actual surgery involved in this treatment. The term "surgery" is used to describe the accurate nature of the radiation beams.
What is the best treatment for radiation?
One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.
How to take care of your mouth during radiation?
Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.
How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?
Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.
How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?
Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.
What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?
The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.
How long does radiation side effects last?
Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...
How long does it take for side effects to show up after radiation?
Some side effects might show up quickly, but others might not show up until 1 to 2 years after treatment. Talk with your radiation oncologist about what to watch for and when to call your doctor. If the cancer is in many areas, sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation.
What is the treatment for cancer?
If you have cancer, you might see a doctor who specializes in radiationoncology. It's an area of medicine that uses "radiation therapy" -- a treatment that focuses high-energy waves on your body to kill cancer cells. Your doctor will decide if it's right for you based on the type and stage of your cancer, plus other health conditions you have.
What type of cancer is treated with radiation?
Types of Cancer It Treats. External beam radiation therapy can treat many cancers, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, head, neck, lung, and prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is used for some of the same cancers that external beam radiation therapy can treat. Examples are head, neck, breast, and prostatecancers.
How does radiation therapy work?
How Radiation Therapy Works. Radiation therapy damages the genetic material of cancer cells to kill them or slow their growth. More than half of people with cancer get it.
What is the main doctor for radiation therapy?
Many doctors and health experts are part of a cancer care team. For radiation therapy, your main doctor is a radiation oncologist. They specialize in radiation oncology and lead a group of medical professionals that can include: Radiation therapy nurse. A registered nurse who can help educate you about treatment.
What is radiation oncology?
Radiation oncology is the area of medicine that uses radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Find out how it works.
What to do if your child has cancer?
If your child has advanced cancer, your doctor may suggest radiation therapy to ease painor help with problems like trouble breathingor swallowing, or in situations where your child has a blockage in their bowels. WebMD Medical Reference . Sources .
What is a radiation therapist?
Radiation therapist. A person trained to work the devices that give radiation therapy. Dosimetrist. Someone who arranges the right dose of radiation therapy for you. Medical physicist:A person who uses their physics knowledge for radiation treatments, devices, and technology.
How to manage cancer after radiation?
They include: Talk to your doctor. Cancer affects everyone differently. Ask them which types you may be at risk for based on your past cancer and radiation therapy. Schedule checkups.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Radioembolization. Cancer Caused by Radiation Therapy. If you have cancer, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy . This uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It’s rare, but these high doses of radiation could trigger another cancer called second primary cancer.
Why does my skin turn red after radiation?
This usually happens after a few weeks of treatment. That’s because of the harm to your healthy cells. Your sleepiness may get more intense as you continue with therapy. Skin changes. Your skin may look red, tanned, or irritated in the area you get radiation therapy.
Can you lose hair after cancer treatment?
You may lose your hair or notice it’s thinner after treatment. This could happen in the specific area where you get therapy, like your head. Your hair will grow back after treatment ends. In addition to second primary cancer, you could have other late side effects that may take months or years to show up.
Can radiation cause cancer?
How Radiation Therapy Can Cause Cancer. The strength of this treatment can damage your DNA and kill healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to cancer. But since it’s rare, the many benefits of radiation treatment usually outweigh this risk.
Overview
Why It's Done
- Radiation therapy kills cancer cells. It's often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will come back. It can also be used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of advanced breast cancer.
Risks
- Side effects from radiation therapy differ significantly depending on the type of treatment and which tissues are treated. Side effects tend to be most significant toward the end of your radiation treatment. After your sessions are complete, it may be several days or weeks before side effects clear up. Common side effects during treatment may include: 1. Mild to moderate fatigu…
How You Prepare
- Before your radiation treatments, you'll meet with your radiation therapy team, which may include: 1. A radiation oncologist,a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation. Your radiation oncologist determines the appropriate therapy for you, follows your progress and adjusts your treatment, if necessary. 2. A radiation oncology medical physicist and a dosimetrist,who make c…
What You Can Expect
- Radiation therapy usually begins three to eight weeks after surgery unless chemotherapy is planned. When chemotherapy is planned, radiation usually starts three to four weeks after chemotherapy is finished. You will likely have radiation therapy as an outpatient at a hospital or other treatment facility. A common treatment schedule (course) historically has included one ra…
Results
- After you complete radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist or other medical professionals will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress, look for late side effects and check for signs of cancer recurrence. Make a list of questions you want to ask members of your care team. After your radiation therapy is completed, tell your medical professional if you experience: 1. Persiste…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiesof tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.