Radiation therapy is a special kind of energy carried by waves or a stream of particles. Radiation has the ability to affect the structure of the cells. In cancer, localized fields of radiation energy are used to stop the growth of cancerous cells. These fields are generated by a highly specialized machine called a linear accelerator.
Radiation therapy is one of the main methods used to treat cancer, along with surgery and chemotherapy. It is also used to treat some non-cancerous conditions. The goal of treatment is to cure, control or relieve symptoms and the average course of radiation involves five consecutive daily treatments for five to six weeks. Each patient is monitored very closely to determine if the treatment is producing the desired effects.
Radiation therapy begins only after intense planning and preparation so that the treatment is very individualized to each person’s condition. At Community Memorial, advanced radiation therapy is provided by Medical College of Wisconsin radiation oncologists from the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center. These physicians provide patient care at our Cancer Care Center.
The radiation oncologist who plans your treatment is a medical doctor with many years of specialized training in cancer and related diseases and radiation therapy. He or she will examine you and study your medical history. Your radiation oncologist will discuss your treatment plan with you and your primary care doctor.
The Cancer Care Center offers the latest technology in radiation therapy. The linear accelerator – the most common type of machine used in radiation therapy - delivers “external beam radiation.” It uses electrically produced radiation, as opposed to a naturally occurring radioactive source such as cobalt. This electrically produced radiation allows for quicker daily treatments. Since many tumors are deep in the body, their location must be “mapped” using imaging techniques, so radiation can be delivered accurately and effectively.
One of the most advanced techniques for delivering external beam radiation is through intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT. IMRT shapes the radiation dose to precisely match the shape of the tumor, so higher doses of radiation can be given with less risk of damage to normal tissues surrounding the tumor.
Image-guided radiation therapy, or IGRT, is a technology that takes the accuracy of radiation treatments one step further. It uses a built-in imaging device which allows us to superimpose the patient's anatomical features directly on the physician's treatment plan on any given day. Because the imaging scan and the therapy take place on the same table at the same time, our team can blend this data with patient positioning techniques to make targeting the radiation dose extremely accurate.
Before you begin radiation treatments you will undergo testing to determine exactly where the tumor site is located. You will then go through a "simulation" process to plan exactly where your treatment will be focused. Your skin may be marked to aid the treatment team to make sure your treatments are given to a consistent location. These marks will not be permanent on your skin. Our nurses will spend time with you before your treatments begin to ensure that you understand what to expect from your therapy and that all your questions are answered.
After your treatments begin, you will be followed closely by the treatment team by informing them of any problems or concerns that you are having so that these can be addressed promptly before they have a chance to develop into a larger problem. Generally, patients do not have any restrictions from the radiation treatments and are encouraged to remain as active as possible. After your treatments are completed, you will be followed by your treatment physician and monitored as needed.
Are the treatments painful?
For the most part, the treatments themselves are not painful and it is similar to having an X-ray. However, in 2-3 weeks your skin may become sensitive and irritated. Also, depending on what part of your body is being treated, other concerns may appear, such as discomfort in swallowing.
While on treatment, can I be with family and children?
Any patient treated with external beam radiation is not radioactive and there are no special restrictions.
Will I lose my hair?
Hair loss is only likely if the head and hair follicles are in the treatment field.
What risks are associated with radiation therapy?
Skin reactions, fatigue, low blood counts and possible, but unlikely, nausea and vomiting. All of these potential risks will be managed by your physician and healthcare team.
Sometimes acute side effects may happen which generally resolve within 2-4 weeks after your treatment is completed. These side effects depend upon the area of your treatment. Your physician will explain all these potential concerns with you before you begin treatment.
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