Radiation Oncology Ask The Expert/FAQs

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

	Q.	What is radiation therapy?
	Q.	How does it work?
	Q.	How is radiation therapy given?
	Q.	What can I expect before and during treatment?
	Q.	How do my doctors know exactly where to direct the radiation?
	Q.	When do I see my physician?
	Q.	What side effects can I expect?

Q. What is radiation therapy?

A. Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, uses various forms of radiation to treat tumors and other medical conditions. Unlike radiology, a medical specialty that uses low-energy X-rays to take images of patients, radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to treat patients. More than half of U.S. patients diagnosed with cancer are treated with radiotherapy.

Q. How does it work?

A. The goal of radiation therapy is to damage the genes that allow tumor cells to divide and spread. Cancer cells grow and divide faster than most normal cells. They also are more susceptible to radiation. Your radiation oncologist works closely with your physicians to individually tailor the intensity of the radiation to the precise area to be treated to limit the exposure of surrounding healthy tissue.

For many patients, radiation is the only treatment needed. In other cases, radiation is given first to shrink a tumor before surgery or afterward to destroy any remaining microscopic cells.

Radiotherapy also is used to give patients relief from painful and difficult symptoms caused by a tumor.

Q. How is radiation therapy given?

A. Radiotherapy can be delivered either externally or internally. Most patients receive external beam radiotherapy from a machine known as a linear accelerator which directs high-energy X-rays or electrons at tumors. Treatment is typically given on an outpatient basis daily for several weeks, although a doctor may sometimes order several treatments per day.

Internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, if indicated, involves implanting a radioactive source next to or inside the tumor, usually with a small plastic or metal tube temporarily inserted in the body to hold the material in place. Depending on the dosage, this form of radiotherapy can be delivered on an outpatient basis or require hospital admission.

Some patients may require both external and internal forms of radiotherapy.

Q. What can I expect before and during treatment?

A. You’ll first be directed to a patient changing area where you’ll have access to a locker to secure your clothing and belongings. For your convenience, come in comfortable clothing that is easily removed.

In the treatment room, a radiation therapist will assist you throughout the procedure. The therapist will help you with proper placement on the treatment table. The equipment makes a high-pitched noise when activated, so patients are encouraged to bring music to play on a stereo system in the treatment area.

Patients are in constant contact with the radiation therapists. During the delivery of brief bursts of radiation, the therapist stays in contact through a video camera and audio system. Treatments can be halted immediately in an emergency.

Q. How do my doctors know exactly where to direct the radiation?

A. The radiation oncologist identifies a tumor’s location with a combination of imaging and pathology studies.

Our radiation specialists use computed-tomography (CT) scans, magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) scans and positron-emission-tomography (PET) scans to generate a sophisticated computer treatment simulation that gives a three-dimensional view of the tumor inside the body as well as the amount of radiation it should receive.

Once a patient is on the treatment table, X-ray images are taken to help correlate the body’s position with that of the tumor. This data is used to ensure exact delivery of the radiation beams with a precision of less than a millimeter variance for each subsequent treatment.

Q. When do I see my physician?

A. You will visit your doctor weekly.

Q. What side effects can I expect?

A. Your physician will discuss the possible side effects you may experience from the radiation treatments. Please inform our radiation therapy team about any symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as any changes in your medications.

In general, a patient’s skin is very sensitive during radiation treatment. We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing during your course of treatment to avoid friction with your skin. Avoid direct sunlight on the area treated. Your doctor can recommend lotions to sooth your skin, which should be applied after daily treatments.

Other recommendations:
•Do not use deodorant, lotion, perfume or cologne on the skin being treated with radiation.
•Avoid applying lotions to your skin prior to a treatment.
•Do not shave the hair in the area under treatment.
•Do not use ice or hot packs on the skin area under treatment.
•Note that commercial deodorants contain metals that react with the skin. Many lotions also contain alcohol that can irritate your skin.
•Please consult your nurses or the therapists for any questions regarding skin care.

Questions? Please contact Radiation Oncology Services at 714.456.5651.

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