What is radiation therapy (radiotherapy)?

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses intense energy, such as X-rays and radioactive materials, to destroy cancer cells, reduce tumors, and/or alleviate symptoms of specific cancers. Radiologists, medical physicists, or others trained in safe radiation therapy use high-energy X-rays and other forms of radiation therapy to disrupt cancer cells' DNA, which prevents the cells from growing or supporting the cell-cycling process.

What kinds of radiation therapy are used?

Some methods of delivery of radiation therapy include:

External beam radiation therapy: Radiation is delivered from outside the body to cancerous cells inside the body. Examples include 3D conformal radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), TomoTherapy®, proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
Internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy): Radioactive material is placed through a catheter or other carrier into or near a tumor. Radiation then comes from within the body on cancerous cells. Examples include high-dose-rate brachytherapy.
Systemic radiation therapy: A radioactive substance that has been swallowed or injected into a vein is carried into the bloodstream to seek and kill cancer cells. Examples include radioactive iodine therapy and Pluvicto®.

Why use radiation therapy?

Almost every malignancy receives radiation therapy. More than 50% of all patients with malignancies receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment regimen. It should also be noted that this therapy can be employed in dealing with certain non-cancer conditions. These involve non-cancerous growths, including benign tumors.

What happens before radiation therapy?

Internal radiation will require physical exams or a level of imaging. Your radiation oncologist will direct you on how to prepare for the day you'll have to have the radiation.

Simulation: This is the actual procedure wherein your treatment is custom-ordered.
Getting into position: You will be placed in the position you will be treated in during the actual sessions, lying on the table instead. Depending on individual circumstances, radiation therapy team members might provide support using a mold or a mask. They will ensure that you are properly aligned. You may receive temporary or permanent markings ( tiny dots ) that show where the radiation is to be targeted.
Getting scans: You will get a CT or MRI showing where the tumor is. This information will allow your care team to tailor X-rays that target a tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
Simulation helps your radiation oncologist establish your treatment plan, including treatment doses and the delivery methods to the patient.

What happens during radiation therapy?

Permanent radiation therapy is performed mostly in a special treatment room designated for outpatient care or in a hospital. Your radiation oncologist will position the radiation implant into place with a thin, flexible tube locksmith called a catheter. The treatment will be performed while you are under anesthesia. Thus, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment process. With this type of internal radiation therapy, a radioactive solution is administered to you through blood vessels by means of an IV.

You lie down on a table. This table is positioned like it will be in a simulation position. The machine revolves around you but doesn't ever touch you. There's a radiation therapist- a health care provider- who works in the other room, where you can talk to one another at any time with the help of an intercom. Targeted amounts of radiation shoot at the tumor, according to how much movement has to be made on its way. You wouldn't feel a thing.

After Treatment Follow-Up

Radiotherapy is usually done at an outpatient basis. The duration of internal radiation treatment necessitates your discharge a day or two after your stay in the hospital after treatment is completed. At times you may spend a couple of days in the hospital for your body to radiate microscopic amounts of radiation. However when it comes to systemic and IV radiotherapy you'll be emitting tiny amount of radiations from the fluids found within your body which includes your sweat, urine, and blood.

If you will undergo IV or permanent internal radiation therapy, there is a small possibility that you will expose other people to radiation. Your radiation treatment team will let you know how much contact you should have with others after radiotherapy.

You should be able to continue your daily routine before and after EBRT. There is no risk of exposing others to radiation.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Everyone's response to radiation therapy is different. It is a good idea to expect that side effects may happen, but you probably will not have all of them or any at all.

The type and severity of your cancer and your overall health can also affect the severity and number of side effects. Other conditions you had before you were diagnosed with cancer may also impact how you respond to the treatment.

Some side effects will be noticed during or right after your treatment. Others may not occur until months or even years later. You may want to discuss possible and intended side effects with your doctor before you start. They can help determine if some side effects can be avoided or controlled.

Some common side effects of radiation include:

Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
Skin reactions
Dry, itchy scalp
Hair loss
Mouth sores.
Pain when swallowing.
Loss of appetite.
Burning sensation in the throat or chest.
Pain or burning when urinating.
Frequent urination, often small amounts.
Bloating or cramping in the abdomen.
Feeling of urgency to have a bowel movement.

What are the advantages of radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy has been one of the most effective cancer treatments that have been around for over a century. Depending upon the type of cancer, it can destroy the cancer cells and make other treatments work better. It's also an important part of palliative care; it can ease cancer symptoms and help you live more enjoyable lives.

What are the risks or complications of this treatment?

While radiation therapy is highly effective in treating many cancers, it also increases your risk of developing another cancer sometime in the future. For most people, the benefits of radiation therapy outweigh the risks.

Talk to your radiation oncologist about the potential benefits of treatment against the possible risks.

How soon can I return to my usual activities?

Some people can go about their usual activities without problems. Others feel so sick that they need to lie down and rest. Many people do not experience any side effects until weeks into treatment when many cells die.

As you collaborate with your radiation care provider to schedule treatments for your appointments, remember and communicate to your care provider the best and worst possible results for your treatment.

How often should I see my doctor?

You should report any side effects you are experiencing to your radiation care provider. Some side effects can affect your quality of life, and you should inform your provider about them. Based on your response to the treatment, your treatment may need to be adjusted, such as changing the dosage, schedule, or type of treatment.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy) in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Radiation Therapy in Lucknow, India. Our experienced uro-oncologists use advanced tools to give accurate results, quick diagnosis, and better long-term care. We offer the best evaluation and treatment support with effective and affordable pricing, making the Radiation Therapy cost suitable for patients seeking high quality urologic cancer treatment in Lucknow, India.