Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high-energy particles or waves to damage or destroy cancer cells. This treatment method, also known as radiotherapy, targets specific areas of the body where tumors are present. A team of healthcare professionals works together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Here is more information about the role of radiation therapy:
Advanced Techniques
Modern methods involve several advanced techniques designed to target tumors with greater precision. These methods help focus the radiation beam on the cancerous cells. These advanced techniques include:
- Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): This technique uses hundreds of tiny radiation beam-shaping devices to deliver radiation from various angles. This approach enables a higher dose of radiation to be directed at the tumor while reducing the impact on nearby healthy organs.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT delivers very high doses of radiation to a small, well-defined tumor. Using detailed imaging, this technique pinpoints the exact location of the tumor. A few treatment sessions are used to administer the radiation with extreme accuracy. This method is an option for treating certain small tumors in various parts of the body, including the lung, liver, and spine.
- Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): Once a treatment plan is created, IGRT is used to direct the treatment. IGRT uses imaging technology during your radiation sessions. Before each treatment, images are typically taken of the targeted area.
Improved Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of an effective radiation therapy plan. Advanced imaging technologies provide detailed pictures of the tumor and its relationship to nearby organs and tissues. These scans create a detailed map of the treatment area. This information allows the medical team to determine the precise size, shape, and location of the tumor. This diagnostic process is a key step in designing a treatment plan that targets the cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.
Guided Treatment Routes
Guided treatments allow the radiation therapist to make small adjustments to your position or to the radiation beams. The adjustments account for any minor changes in the tumor’s position or your body’s alignment since the last session. This guidance helps in delivering the radiation dose to the intended location throughout the course of treatment.
Improved Patient Comfort
The process of receiving radiation therapy has also seen advancements aimed at improving patient comfort. Treatment sessions themselves are typically quick, although the setup process may take longer. You will lie on a treatment table while the machine delivers radiation from different angles.
Modern equipment operates quietly, and the radiation therapist monitors the process from a nearby room, communicating with you through an intercom. Your care team will also provide guidance on managing any side effects that might arise during your treatment course, offering supportive care to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Schedule Radiation Therapy Today
Understanding the process may help you be more prepared for your treatment journey. From advanced techniques to guided delivery, the field continues to evolve to provide precise care. If you have questions about this form of therapy or want to discuss your treatment options, our team is here to provide you with the information you need. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more.
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