Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
Woman receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer. Source: Shutterstock
The treatment journey is understandably an intimidating and perplexing experience. This article aims to provide you with helpful information on radiation therapy to help alleviate the uncertainty associated with the treatment process. Below, you will find subsections that delve deeper into this type of treatment.
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams, usually x-rays, to target and kill cancer cells in a specific area of the body. While this treatment damages the DNA of cancer cells, it may also affect normal cells in the targeted radiation field. To minimize harm to healthy tissues, newer radiation technologies have been invented to target tumors more precisely.
Note that while most side effects of radiation therapy are mild, they can still cause damage to normal lung tissue, leading to lung injury. In radiation oncology, a careful balance known as the therapeutic ratio is used to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
When is radiation therapy used?
- As neoadjuvant therapy, in combination with other therapy
- As adjuvant therapy, in combination with other therapy
- To delay cancer relapse for as long as possible
- To treat limited-stage small-cell lung cancer
- To manage oligometastatic NSCLC
- As palliative care
Related: When is Radiation Therapy Used?
Types of radiotherapy
- External radiation: Irradiate the cancer site using a large machine outside the body. Example: stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
- Internal radiation: Placing a radioactive source near the tumor using a catheter or applicator, either through the skin or natural body openings like the bronchial tree. Example: High dose-rate brachytherapy
Depiction of internal radiation therapy for lung cancer. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Related: Types of Radiation Therapy to Treat Lung Cancer and Emerging Technology
Administration of radiation
Radiation therapy delivers high-energy X-rays to tumors or cancer cells and damages them. The cells will die and leave the body naturally. The X-ray-producing machine used in SBRT is called a linear accelerator.
Careful treatment planning is overseen by a team of radiation oncologists, radiologists, radiation therapists and radiation nurses. Before starting treatment, patients will undergo a simulation or a planning session, to plan the radiation parameters.
Once the treatment session is complete, there is no residual radiation within the patient's body. This means that patients undergoing SBRT are not a source of radiation to others and can interact with family and friends without posing any radiation risk. Ailments are available to manage the side effects of radiation therapy.
We highly recommend reviewing the links provided above for a more comprehensive understanding of the different types of radiation therapy. It is essential to remember that each individual has unique treatment needs, and not all forms of therapy may be appropriate for everyone. Being well-informed can significantly benefit patients by providing them with greater confidence throughout their treatment journey and expanding their knowledge. If you have any doubts, please do not hesitate to ask your healthcare team. They are there to support and guide you every step of the way.
