Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Introduction

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment which is used to remove cancer cells by using radiation or stops them from increasing and separating. It may be used in chemotherapy for the cure of cancer. Following are some kinds of radio therapy:

Calypso 4D Localization System

This novel technology targets radiation and was developed with the aid of radiation urologists and oncologists. The technology works like a GPS system and identifies the precise location of the area of treatment during radiation therapy. For instance, during treatment of prostate cancer, the technology optimizes the precision of radiation while minimizing the adverse side effects. The technology works in conjunction with tiny Beacons (electromagnetic transponders) that are installed in the prostate through a biopsy-like outpatient procedure. These Beacons aid the therapy procedure by communicating with the Calypso 4D Localization System and use safe radiofrequency waves. During the treatment, the Calypso System monitors the prostate to locate the target with pinpoint accuracy.

Interstitial Brachytherapy

Doctors commonly use this technology to treat cervix cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer. The technology is also used to treat brain tumor, eye tumor, and head tumor.

Intracavitary Brachytherapy

This is a kind of accelerated radiation-based treatment for numerous cancers. It has a high success rate against cancers of the skin, prostate, breast and cervix. The technology uses an “intracavity” device, to place seeds (radiation sources) in a natural of the body or in cavities left after surgical removal of tumors. Intracavity brachytherapy only affects tissues that are the nearest to the source of radiation. It is for this reason that the side effects of using this technology are significantly reduced as compared to external beam radiation. The treatment is also done with the use of various types of other devices. The intracavity devices are available in various sizes and shapes. Moreover, they can be loaded with a customized dose of radiation to benefit each patient.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

This particular technology is a type of radiation treatment that targets high-intensity x-rays on a specific part of the human body. Where several other kinds of radiation treatments have a high tendency to influence the healthy tissue surrounding the targeted region, Stereotactic Radiosurgery is more focused in its approach as it affects only the targeted area. Certain kinds of stereotactic Radiosurgery demand the use of a face mask or frame which is attached to a person's scalp.

Image Guided Radiation Therapy

It treats cancer through using high energy to damage tumor cells. The primary objective is to remove or kill cancer cells without throbbing healthy cells. There are various side effects of radiation. Some people might have minor or little side effects from treatment and some other people may have many or serious side effects because everybody is different from the other. Additionally, the particular side effects that someone may have depended on the kind of radiation that is being used, the dosage of radiation, the part of the body that is being targeted, and the condition of your health.

Discussion

A Radiation Therapist is involved in conducting these ...