With its ability to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, radiation therapy has long been an essential cancer treatment. X-rays, gamma rays, and proton beams are examples of high-energy radiation that help kill or harm cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Avail of medical guidance for radiation therapy in Siliguri at Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
Radiation treatment has several uses in cancer care and management. Oncologists (cancer specialists) can use this therapy alone or with other therapies, like as surgery or chemotherapy. The many applications of radiation treatment to enhance cancer patients' prognosis and quality of life are examined in this blog.
Curative Treatment
Radical or curative radiotherapy can cure cancer based on the stage, size, and location of the cancer. One of the aspects of this cancer therapy is to cure cancer; however, it doesn’t guarantee that. There may be a chance of a cure with localized malignant tumors that have not progressed to other sections of the body.
In such circumstances, radiologists may provide radiation alone or in combination with other therapies like surgery or chemotherapy. For example, in early-stage prostate cancer, radiation therapy is routinely given as a curative option.
Neoadjuvant Therapy (Pre-Surgery)
This treatment, also known as neoadjuvant therapy, is many times used before surgery with the purpose of reducing a tumor's size so that it may be removed more easily and safely. This method is common for rectal, esophageal, and certain forms of lung cancer.
Neoadjuvant radiation, by lowering tumor size, administered by experts, can enhance surgical results. Also, the therapy minimizes the amount of surgery required, and, in a few situations, maintains organ function.
Adjuvant Therapy (Post-Surgery)
After a surgical tumor is removed, doctors may provide radiation therapy to kill any cancer cells that may still be present and lower the possibility of recurrence. So, this is adjuvant treatment.
For example, to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning, your cancer specialist will give you radiation therapy to destroy the residual breast tissue following a lumpectomy for breast cancer. For rectal cancer, adjuvant radiation is frequently used as part of the treatment following surgery.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
In IORT, doctors use a focused radiation dosage to the tumor location during surgery, just after the tumor is removed. Among other malignancies (cancers), it is utilized for gynecological, colorectal, and breast cancers.
Cancer specialists often use IORT in combination with standard radiation therapy. Talk to the top oncologist for radiation therapy in Siliguri or at your nearest location.
Palliative Treatment
In palliative or supportive care, radiation therapy can be extremely important in enhancing a patient's quality of life. Cancer symptoms, including pain (whether associated with the treatment or cancer itself), bleeding, or trouble breathing, may be alleviated by palliative radiotherapy.
For instance, a brief use of radiation can help patients keep their mobility and greatly lessen discomfort in situations with bone metastases. When cancer is in its late/advanced stages, this use of radiation is essential to maintaining comfort.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
To treat tumors and other issues in the brain, neck, lungs, liver, spine, and other regions of the body, SRS uses several carefully focused radiation beams. With little effect on the nearby healthy tissue, it targets high radiation doses to the afflicted location using 3D imaging.
SBRT means using beams that are precisely aimed at targeting tumors, which are cell growths, anywhere in the body. Cancer doctors can also treat malignant tumors in the spine, neck, lungs, and other soft tissues with SBRT.
In order to treat cancer, radiation therapy is a versatile treatment, whether the goal is to cure, shrink a tumor, relieve uncomfortable symptoms, or improve surgical results. In Oncology, radiation has the ability to improve the quality of life and survival. Get precise advice from one of the top oncologists near you.