|
THE PROCESS OF RADIATION THERAPY
The patient's course of radiotherapy begins with a consultation session with a radiation oncologist, who is a physician specializing in the use of radiation for the treatment of cancer. During the consultation, the goals of treatment, as well as any associated risks and side effects will be discussed with the patient and his/her family. Subsequently, a simulation session will be scheduled.
Simulation is a process during which the radiation oncologist designs customized treatment fields to encompass the tumor, based on its location, size, and shape. Once the treatment areas have been defined, markings are drawn on the skin to facilitate the daily treatment setups.
Detailed information regarding the tumor, and its relationship to adjacent organs are subsequently transferred electronically to a 3-dimensional treatment planning computer for radiation dose calculations.
Using this computer, the radiation oncologist, medical physicist, and dosimetrist tailor each radiation beam to deliver the required amount of energy to the tumor. Great care is taken to ensure that the target area receives the necessary dose, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Once the computerized treatment plan has been evaluated, and approved by the radiation oncologist, he will authorize the initiation of the patient's course of treatment.
External beam radiation is delivered using a high energy linear accelerator. Typically, radiation treatments are given five days a week (Monday through Friday). The number of treatments are variable depending on the clinical situation. Each treatment usually takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, during which the patient experiences no pain, or any other sensations.
Most common side effects associated with radiation therapy are mild, and manageable. Patients may experience various side effects depending on the body site treated. During the course of treatment, the radiation oncologist will reevaluate his/her clinical status frequently to manage side effects, and alter the treatment plan as necessary. Most treatment-related symptoms will subside several weeks after the completion of radiation therapy.
The patient will return for the first follow-up visit in approximately one month. During this session, the radiation oncologist will assess the response to treatment, and check for any residual side effects. Subsequently, he will monitor the patient's progress in conjunction with the primary physician and/or other oncologic specialists. The type of follow-up care will depend on the kind of cancer and other treatments the patient may have had.
|
|
