Radiation therapy is the main cancer treatment method in Japan.
It is a treatment method that kills cancer cells.
In this article, we will explain this radiotherapy in detail.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation is an invisible, high-energy electromagnetic wave. Radiation therapy mainly uses a type of radiation called X-rays or gamma rays.
When radiation strikes a cell, it damages the DNA inside the cell, which acts as a blueprint for the cell.
Since cancer cells have less ability to repair DNA than normal cells, radiotherapy can effectively kill them.
Types of Radiation
Radiation therapy mainly uses X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, and protons.
X-rays: This is the most common type of radiation. They have low energy and can penetrate soft tissues such as skin and muscle, so they are often used to treat tumors close to the body surface.
Gamma rays: These rays are produced by radioactive isotopes such as cobalt-60. Because they have higher energy and can reach deeper than X-rays, they are often used to treat tumors located deeper in the body.
Electron beams: Radiation produced by accelerating electrons. It is often used to treat tumors close to the skin or mucous membranes because it has higher energy and does less damage to surrounding normal cells.
Proton beams: Radiation produced by accelerating protons. The high energy and precision of proton beams allows for treatment of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding normal cells.
External irradiation method
Radiation is delivered to the cancerous area from a radiation generator installed outside the body. This is the most common type of radiation therapy.
The following types of external radiation therapy are available
Fixed irradiation: The patient’s body is fixed and irradiated from a fixed direction.
Rotational irradiation: Radiation is delivered from multiple angles while the patient’s body is rotated.
Arcuate irradiation: Radiation is delivered while the radiation generator is moved in an arc.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): The intensity of the radiation is adjusted for each area of the body and focused on the tumor.
Methods of Small Radiation Source Therapy
A capsule or needle containing a radioactive substance is inserted or implanted directly into the cancerous area.
The following types of small radiation source therapy are available
Permanent sealed small radiation source therapy: A capsule or needle in which radioactive material is constantly emitting radiation.
Temporary Sealed Small Radiation Source Therapy: A radioactive material is temporarily inserted and removed from the body after a certain period of time.
Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy
The effectiveness of radiotherapy depends on the type of tumor, its progression, the treatment, and the patient’s condition. Radiation therapy can be expected to have the following effects
Tumor shrinkage: Radiation therapy can shrink tumors.
Relief of symptoms: Symptoms such as pain and bleeding can be relieved.
Cure: For early-stage or less advanced cancers, radiation therapy may be able to completely destroy cancer cells.
Improved survival: Radiation therapy, when combined with surgery and chemotherapy, can contribute to improved survival rates.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can cause side effects because it damages normal cells as well as cancer cells. Typical side effects include the following
Skin damage: The skin at the site of irradiation may become red, sore, dry, or itchy. Depending on the degree of progression, cracking or ulceration may occur.
Remedies: Use moisturizing creams or ointments and keep the skin clean. Use special protective creams or patches if directed by a physician.
Fatigue: The patient may feel weak and fatigued, which may interfere with daily activities.
Coping strategies: Get plenty of sleep and rest. Light exercise and a well-balanced diet may also help.
- Nausea: Nausea and vomiting may occur.
- Coping: Anti-nausea medications may reduce symptoms.
- Oral inflammation: Mouth sores may form, causing pain and difficulty eating.
- Coping: Keep the mouth clean and use a special oral rinse. If pain is present, consult a physician for appropriate treatment.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea may occur.
- Coping: Drink fluids frequently and take antidiarrheal medications.
- Hair loss: Hair in the irradiated area may be lost.
- Solution: A hat or wig may be used to cover the hair loss.
- Reproductive dysfunction: Reproductive dysfunction such as decreased sperm count and erectile dysfunction may occur in men, and decreased ovarian function and irregular menstruation may occur in women.
- Coping: Reproductive dysfunction may take months to years to recover after treatment. If you are unsure, consult your physician.
Summary
Recently, techniques have been developed to reduce side effects, and highly accurate radiation therapy methods such as IMRT and proton beam therapy seem to be gaining popularity.
Radiation therapy is a treatment method that plays an important role in cancer treatment, but at the same time it seems to have the potential to cause a variety of side effects.
Radiation therapy is expected to continue to develop with modern technology.
