Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Hea

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

cancer-radiation-therapy

Full Text:

HEALTH MONITOR: Using Radiation Therapy To Beat Cancer

By Dr Peter Schiff

& Dr Joseph Bargellini

One of the important tools of modern medicine in the fight against cancer is

radiation therapy. Radiation is incorporated in the treatment of more than

half of patients diagnosed with cancer.

Chemotherapy and surgery are other modalities commonly used in the treatment

of cancer. Chemotherapy exposes the whole body to cancer-fighting drugs.

Surgery is a local therapy that treats a particular part of the body, such as

a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Radiation is similar to surgery since it is

directed at a particular part of the body such as the breast or prostate.

Radiation is frequently used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy for

a combined modality approach.

Radiation consists of a stream of high-energy particles or waves, such as

x-rays or photons, that can kill cancer cells. Radiation can be given

externally using specialized equipment such as a linear accelerator that

produces and directs the radiation in a very precise way. This is usually done

on an outpatient basis. Internal radiation uses a radioactive source such as a

wire or seed that is implanted inside the patient. This type of radiation

treatment is known as brachytherapy. Implants can be permanent or temporary.

They are commonly used in the treatment of gynecological and prostate cancers.

Radiation has become the primary treatment for many kinds of cancer in almost

any part of the body. Lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, early

stage Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and brain tumors are among

some of the many cancers commonly treated with radiation.

Once radiation is determined to be an appropriate course of action, planning

radiation treatment is required. The radiation oncologist is a physician

specially trained in the use of radiation to treat cancer. A radiation

therapist is a person specially trained in the operation of radiation therapy

machines. The radiation oncologist and radiation therapist work together to

plan the treatment. Sometimes additional planning procedures are needed such

as CT scans, to further refine the planning.

Once planning is complete, treatment can start. The actual treatment only

takes a few minutes to complete. It is completely painless, much like having

an X-ray. The duration of treatment, doses of radiation prescribed, and

radiation plans are determined by the radiation oncologist and are

individualized based on the type of cancer, goals of treatment, and the

specific needs of the patient. Radiation is given every day, Monday through

Friday. A course of radiation can extend for two to eight weeks.

Patients may experience side effects from treatment. These are usually

temporary and go away once the treatment is over. Prior to beginning

treatment, potential side effects will be discussed in detail and any

questions will be answered so a patient will know what to expect during

treatment. Your radiation oncologist and a specially trained oncology nurse

can provide instructions on the best way to manage any side effects to

minimize discomfort. Many patients maintain active lifestyles and are

frequently able to work and exercise during treatment.

Dr Schiff is chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at

Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center and directs the new regional cancer

center at New Milford Hospital. Dr Bargellini is a radiation oncologist at the

center.