Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation, usually X-rays, to treat disease. They were discovered in 1895, and since then have been used in medicine for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
What is radiation therapy?
Currently, doctors have accumulated extensive experience in the use of radiotherapy. 4 out of 10 people diagnosed with cancer (40%) are prescribed radiation therapy as part of their treatment. There are several types of it:
- External beam radiation therapy, when radiation comes from outside a linear accelerator in the form of electrons, less often protons.
Internal radiotherapy. It can enter the body in the form of liquid and is absorbed by cancer cells. Or radioactive material is placed inside the tumor or in an area near it.
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How radiation therapy works in oncology
Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells in the treated area by damaging the DNA inside them. Although radiation for cancer also affects healthy cells, they, unlike malignant ones, have a greater ability to heal themselves.
The challenge of radiation therapy
An individual treatment plan is developed for each patient. The goal is to provide a high dose of radiation to the tumor and a low dose to surrounding healthy tissue. Healthy cells are able to recover after therapy. So, the goal of treatment is to ensure the maximum likelihood of cure while reducing the risk of development.
Let's take a closer look at how radiotherapy is used in the treatment of malignant diseases.
Radical radiation therapy in oncology
The doctor may recommend radiation therapy to destroy the tumor and rid the person of the disease. This is one of the most important procedures that will help cure the disease. Doctors may call it radical radiation therapy. The length of the course of treatment is determined by the location of the tumor, its type and size. In addition to this type of therapy, others can be used - surgery, treatment with cytostatic agents, hormonal therapy or targeted therapy.
What is radiation therapy for symptom control?
Radiotherapy before surgery
In some cases, radiation therapy is prescribed before surgery in order to reduce the size of the tumor, which will ensure safe and easy removal. This will also help reduce the risk of cancer cells spreading during surgery. This type of treatment is often used for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. It is also called neoadjuvant treatment or preoperative radiotherapy. Chemotherapy may be given at the same time as radiation.
Radiotherapy after surgery
Radiation for cancer may be prescribed after surgery to eliminate remaining malignant cells from the body - adjuvant therapy or postoperative therapy. This treatment reduces the likelihood of the disease returning. It is often used for malignant diseases of the breast, rectum, head and neck.
Radiotherapy and anticancer drugs
Cytostatic drugs can be prescribed before, during or after a course of radiation for cancer. This joint use These types of treatments are called chemoradiotherapy. Targeted therapy may also be prescribed along with radiotherapy.
Full body irradiation
This type of treatment is prescribed to patients when a transplant is planned. bone marrow or stem cells, for example for leukemia or lymphoma.
Along with chemotherapy, whole-body radiation is given to destroy bone marrow cells. Then a stem cell or bone marrow transplant is performed from a donor or the patient himself.
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Where is radiation therapy performed?
External radiotherapy is usually performed on an outpatient basis in the radiation therapy department of a cancer center.
Specialized equipment takes up a lot of space and requires specially trained staff. There are different types of linear accelerators. The choice for a particular patient is made by a clinical oncologist.
The radiotherapy procedure itself usually does not last more than a few minutes a day. However, it takes some time for the patient to achieve the exact position. An x-ray or scan may be taken before or during therapy to ensure that the radiation will be directed to the desired area.
Where is internal radiation therapy performed?
There are two main types of internal radiotherapy – radioactive implants and radioactive liquids.
Radioactive implants
The oncologist places a radioactive source inside the patient's body - in the cavity of the tumor or in an area near it. The source may be radioactive material in a small sealed metal tube or wire, or small "seeds". If an implant is recommended, treatment will most likely take place under conditions day hospital and will take several hours. Or you may have to stay in the hospital in a single room for several days with the implant. The patient will have to be alone in the room so as not to expose other people to radiation. Once the source is removed, it ceases to be radioactive.
Some types of radioactive "seeds" can be left in the body for a long time because they provide radiation in a small area and lose it over time. Doctors sometimes use this type of treatment for early stages cancer prostate gland.
Radioactive liquids
Treatment of certain types of tumors is carried out using radioactive liquid. This may be a drink or an intravenous injection. The fluid circulates in the bloodstream and is taken up by tumor cells. For some types of cancer, the doctor injects radioactive liquid into the specific part of the body with the tumor rather than intravenously.
After some types of such treatment, hospitalization is required, in a single room for several days. During this time, the level of radioactivity decreases to a safe level. This treatment is used for diagnoses of thyroid cancer or tumor process, which metastasized to the bones.
With some types of internal radiotherapy, the dose of radiation is so small that you can go home immediately after treatment.
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Who administers radiation therapy?
In the USA, Israel and a number of other countries, specialists in this treatment are called radiation oncologists. In the past, the term used was radiotherapist. In the UK, doctors who specialize in treating cancer using radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other drug treatments are called clinical oncologists.
Team of doctors
The patient works with a multidisciplinary team - a surgeon, radiation oncologists, radiologists (who specialize in interpreting medical images), pathologists, nurses, physical therapists and other specialists.
During radiation therapy, the radiation oncologist plans, monitors, and prescribes treatment. The patient interacts with the rest of the team throughout the course of treatment.
Radiology specialists
Doctors who prescribe and plan radiotherapy interact with scientists who specialize in radiology - medical physicists. They help ensure that radiation therapy equipment is accurate and safe. They also advise on the following issues:
- Which irradiation method should be prescribed?
- How long should the procedure last to receive the correct dose of radiation?
Other staff involved in the administration and planning of radiotherapy under the supervision of medical physicists may be dosimetrists. The patient can interact with the physicist during internal radiation therapy.
Radiation oncologists
Radiation oncologists work with linear accelerators, which deliver radiation. They are well trained in administering radiation therapy, caring for patients, and working with other specialists and medical physicists.
The patient will interact with radiation oncologists during the radiation therapy process. They advise and provide assistance if necessary. Provide advice on how best to manage any side effects.
Patients interact with nursing staff about medications, dressings, and information on how to cope with unwanted effects of treatment as well.
Questions to ask your doctor about radiotherapy:
- Why is radiation prescribed in my case?
- What type of radiation therapy will be used?
- Will this be the only treatment or will other therapies also be used?
- Is this therapy aimed at curing or reducing the symptoms of the disease?
- What is the treatment plan?
- How many treatment sessions will be required?
- How long will the therapy last?
- Where will the treatment need to take place?
- Will I need therapy in the future?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Where can I get more information on radiotherapy?
Is it possible to live somewhere during treatment if it is too far to get to the hospital?
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Cancers are treated different ways, one of them is the destruction of their cellular structure by exposure to isotope radiation. Let's consider the pros and cons of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer, its effectiveness after surgical removal of tumors.
What it is
A few decades ago, it was noticed that some types of young cancer cells form in cancer of the mammary glands, cervix, prostate, brain, etc. – lose the ability to divide and develop when radiation treatment. Let's consider when this method of therapy is used in oncology and how effective it is.
Radiation therapy in oncology is treatment when specially created ionizing radiation the doctor acts on the tumor. The main tasks in this case:
- Disruption of the structure of abnormal cells;
- Suppression of their growth;
- Slowing down or completely inhibiting the formation of metastases;
When irradiated, cells do not disintegrate, but DNA structure is disrupted, which makes their further normal functioning impossible. Thanks to the directionality of the beam, it is possible to deliver the maximum dose precisely to the cancer site, minimally affecting the surrounding tissue.
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer is used in combination with chemotherapy and surgical operations for removal of formations. The method has found application outside of oncology; it is used to suppress bone growths.
When is it prescribed?
Radiation therapy is the basic treatment prescribed to 65% of people with various types of cancer. It shows good results for malignant cells that are significantly sensitive to radiation, when there is a high risk of rapid growth, as well as in a special location of the tumor.
Radiation treatment treats cancer that affects:
- Cervix, uterine body and mammary glands in women;
- Larynx, throat, nasopharynx, tonsils;
- Skin (melanoma);
- Prostate in men
Classification
The name radiation therapy hides a number of different techniques. Let us give the first classification, dividing this type radiation treatments:
- Treatment alpha radiation, when Rodon isotopes are used. The method has become widespread, it has a good effect on the central nervous system, thyroid gland, heart muscle.
- Beta therapy is based on different isotopes that emit beta particles. Based on the need, interstitial, intracavitary or application therapy is selected.
- X-ray therapy indicated for skin cancer, tumors of the mucous membranes. The required energy is selected based on the location of the pathology.
Let's look at the main types of radiation treatment.
Contact radiotherapy
At this method the source is located on the formation itself, it is selected so as to deliver the main dose to the tumor. The contact method is effective for tumors up to 20 mm; it is divided into a number of subtypes:
Name | Characteristic |
Close focus | The malignant cell tissue is directly irradiated. |
Intracavity | The radioisotope is injected into a specially selected place in the body, where it remains for the desired period, providing a therapeutic effect. |
Interstitial | Reminds me of the previous point. But the place of the source water is the new formation itself. |
Radiosurgical | Radiation therapy is carried out after surgery, treating the cavity where the cancer was located. |
Applique | The source is applied to the skin, fixed with an applicator. |
Remote
Based on the name, the radiation source is located at a distance from the therapy site. Due to the need for high power, gamma radiation is used, thanks to the targeted action of which it is possible to preserve nearby healthy structures without damage.
When the cancer is small, it is treated with ducts and neurons. External beam radiation therapy can be static or mobile. In the second case, irradiation is carried out along the developed trajectory, which gives a greater effect.
Radionuclide
With this radiation therapy, the patient is given special drugs with a radiation effect that affects foci of cancerous structures. Thanks to targeted delivery of the substance, large doses can be given to tumors without fear of side effects on healthy areas.
One of these commonly used is radioiodine therapy. It is prescribed not only for oncology, but also for endocrine diseases, for example, thyrotoxicosis, which is often found in women. Iodine with isotopes naturally penetrates the thyroid gland and kills some of its cells. They fight bone metastases in a similar way, but they immediately introduce a group of chemical compounds.
Conformal
Complex radiation therapy with three-dimensional planning. Thanks to “smart irradiation,” exactly the required number of charged particles is delivered to the cancer tumor, which gives a predictable result and a high chance of successful treatment after surgery.
Proton
The source is based on protons, accelerated to enormous speeds, which leads to an accurate dosage to the desired depth. As a result, neighboring tissues are practically not affected and there is no scattering of radiation over the surface of the patient’s body.
Intracavity
There are a number of subtypes of this type of radiation therapy. With its help, good prevention is provided during operations and the risk of metastases. The radiating element is inserted into the cavity on the body and left for the estimated time.
Thus, the dosage is maximized in malignant neoplasms. Intracavitary treatment has proven itself in the treatment of cancer of the intestine, uterus and esophagus.
Stereotactic
With the help of such radiation exposure, the duration of therapy is reduced, which is critical for rapidly progressing cancer with metastases. The technique has found application in cancer tumors in the brain and internal systems organs. There is the possibility of precise adjustment in place, with control over changes in location during breathing and other movements.
The death of malignant structures occurs slowly; effectiveness is assessed after 2-3 weeks.
Contraindications
We list cases when radiation therapy treatment is contraindicated and can have negative consequences:
- Severe intoxication with rich external signs and symptoms;
- Heat;
- Multiple cancer lesions causing bleeding;
- Susceptibility to radiation sickness;
- Background diseases that do not allow the disease to be treated in this way;
- Anemia;
How is radiation therapy performed?
At the first stage, it is important to establish exactly where the cancerous tumor is located and its parameters. Based on these data, the doctor selects the dose and method of irradiation. During the procedure, the patient must not make even the slightest movements, so radiation therapy is carried out in lying position, sometimes with fixation of the patient. When moving, the dose is transmitted to the surrounding healthy tissues, which are exposed to destructive effects.
You should prepare mentally for the procedure, since modern devices for treating cancer with radiation therapy are large machines that make buzzing sounds, which can frighten even an adult man.
Already at the initial stage, improvements are possible, manifested by pain suppression, but the maximum effect is achieved only with a full course.
How long does the course last?
Radiation therapy treats cancer on an outpatient basis, sessions of 20-50 minutes. Considerable time is spent on correctly positioning the person and positioning the device; the irradiation itself lasts only 1-3 minutes and, by analogy with an x-ray, the doctor leaves the treatment room for this period.
The duration of the course for malignant oncology usually varies from a month to two, sometimes only two weeks are enough, when you only need to reduce the size of the formation to normalize your well-being. Sessions are scheduled every weekday, with a significant dose, it is divided into several visits.
Effects and tolerability
During radiation therapy there is no pain or discomfort; after it, rest for 2-3 hours is recommended so that the body comes to its senses. In addition, this helps reduce the side effects and consequences of such treatment.
As the course progresses, radiation therapy causes the following symptoms:
- Increased fatigue;
- Insomnia and mood swings;
- Local inflammation on the mucous membranes and skin surface;
- When treating the chest area, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and cough are likely to occur.
Among consequences irritations stand out skin, change, colors, structures, etc. All this is reminiscent of a sunburn, only extended over time. Blisters are possible if the affected areas are not disinfected, which means there is a risk of infection.
If radiation therapy is given for organs respiratory system , then the consequences appear over the next 2-3 months. The patient develops a cough that does not provide relief, the temperature rises, and there is a general loss of strength and psychological state.
At significant dosages, the following symptoms are observed:
- Hair falls out on the head;
- Vision decreases, hearing deteriorates;
- The heart beats faster;
- The composition of the blood changes;
How to recover after
For a patient who has undergone radiation therapy to fully regain strength and health, it takes time and you should not count on quick results. Let's consider the main problems that people face after a course of such treatment for oconology.
Burns
In most cases, the formation of burns is observed from the first days. To minimize them, you should consult with your doctor which cream to apply to the skin after each visit. Usually the drug D-Patentol or similar products are applied that activate the regeneration of the epidermis.
It is not recommended to apply anything to the skin surface before irradiation, as this may reduce the therapeutic effect.
Low white blood cell count
Forming an increase in the number of leukocytes is omitted only after approval by a specialist. In normal mode, you can achieve a similar effect by diversifying your diet and including raw vegetables, buckwheat, and fresh vegetables. Improves blood composition by drinking red juices - pomegranate, beetroot. If dietary changes are ineffective, the use of special medications will be required.
Heat
If an elevated temperature is recorded during radiation therapy, it means that, against the background of a weak protective function of the body, an infection has penetrated into it. For quick treatment, you need to determine what the person is sick with and carry out necessary treatment, combined with beam. If you have a fever, you must be on bed rest.
Pneumonitis
In case of illness, they are treated with steroids, which allows you to get rid of symptoms within the first two days. In addition, breathing exercises will be useful, massotherapy, inhalations, etc.
Pneumonitis during radiation therapy is treated with an individual approach, taking into account the size and type of tumor, the existence of metastases.
FAQ
People often confuse chemotherapy and radiation therapy, so here are some answers: FAQ, regarding this method of treatment.
- What are the differences between radiation therapy and chemotherapy? These are fundamentally different approaches to cancer treatment. During chemotherapy, the patient takes special medications that destroy malignant structures; radiation therapy uses isotope radiation for this. Today, both techniques are combined with each other and used before or after surgery.
- Will my hair fall out? Unlike taking drugs, after radiation exposure the patient becomes bald only at the site of its application. Sometimes hair falls out on the head, but only in case of high dosages and a long course. It is better to prepare for the procedure in advance by choosing a hairstyle with short hair. During sessions, it is better to use a special comb that does not damage the hair.
- Pregnancy and radiation therapy. This technique has a negative impact on reproductive function women, therefore it is recommended not to try to have a child for 2-3 years after treatment. If you successfully defeat oncology, during this period the body will fill all the gaps caused by radiation, which will allow you to get pregnant normally and bear a healthy baby.
Cost of radiation therapy
Prices for a course of radiation treatment for cancer vary significantly, based on the duration of the course, type of exposure, etc. Wherein this procedure is included in the compulsory medical insurance policy and can be carried out free of charge upon reaching your turn, which usually lasts for many months. Moreover, in public clinics Not the most modern equipment installed.
If necessary, radiation therapy is available without a queue in private clinics using more advanced machines, but it costs money. Emergency radiation therapy is also provided there in case of severe pain in incurable patients.
The price of a course of radiation therapy in large cities of Russia - Moscow, St. Petersburg and others - ranges in cost from 10 to 40 thousand rubles, which depends on the phase of cancer development, installed equipment, and duration of treatment.
Radiation (radiation therapy, radiotherapy, radiation therapy) is the use ionizing radiation(X-rays, gamma radiation, beta radiation, neutron radiation) to damage, destroy, kill cancer cells, and also stop the growth and reproduction of new mutated cells. Radiation is a localized treatment that typically affects only the part of the body where the radiation was directed.
As mentioned above, after radiation, cancer cells are damaged, although radiation can affect healthy cells in the body in the same way. Based on this, cancer after radiation may be accompanied by some complications that arise as side effects (depending on the part of the body on which irradiation was performed; on the location of the malignant neoplasm).
What is radiation treatment for cancer?
Radiation is a method of treating cancer using high-energy radiation (specifically X-rays). The type of radiation, as well as its amount, must be carefully calculated before starting therapy (in such an amount that the radiation can damage abnormal cells) by the treating oncologist team. During the treatment of oncology, irradiation stops the division of cancer cells and, as a result, their number will decrease.
Benefits of Irradiation
As we already know, the goal of radiation therapy is to destroy mutated cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Also, radiation can be used to treat any type of cancer, in almost any part of the body. In some cases, irradiation can be carried out separately, but most often it is used in combination with other methods of fighting cancer.
Irradiation can be carried out both before and after surgical treatment(before - to reduce the size of the tumor, after - to stop the growth of cancer cells that could remain after surgical excision of the malignant neoplasm). It can also be performed during or after chemotherapy or hormone therapy in order to improve overall results.
Despite the fact that such treatment is sometimes called radical, radiation therapy is designed to provide a long-term effect for a person with cancer.
Given palliative treatment is aimed at reducing tumor size, reducing pain, and also relieving other symptoms of cancer. In addition, palliative radiation therapy can prolong the life of a cancer patient.
Cancer after radiation – what to expect? Consequences and complications
As already mentioned, radiation can damage and destroy normal cells, and also cause some side effects as cancer cells break down. Most of these side effects are temporary, rarely severe and do not pose a particular threat to the general condition and life of the patient. Remember, your doctor will not advise you to undergo radiation if the risks and complications outweigh the benefits. Also, the attending physician is obliged to inform you if this treatment in your case may adversely affect your health and provoke certain consequences. You must receive all necessary information in writing.
If a female is exposed to radiation, she should under no circumstances be in position at the time of therapy, since radiation therapy can greatly harm the unborn child, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. The doctor is obliged to inform you in advance about all the pros and cons this treatment, about the possible consequences and complications that may arise after irradiation, and also provide written information about this.
Radiation therapy is the treatment of malignant tumors, cancers or other pathologies using ionizing radiation. The rays are directed to the lesion. The activity of pathogenic cells in tissues is suppressed. You can make an appointment with a doctor or diagnostics through the website http://zapiskdoctoru.ru.
Under the influence of waves, the cell structure remains intact. Only DNA changes, which is restored in healthy cells over time. The process of division of pathogenic cells stops. This occurs due to the breaking of bonds in the molecules. The cell nucleus is destroyed, and the information contained in them is not restored. Tumor formations disintegrate. Ionization and radiolysis of water inside the cells maintains the effect for a longer time.
Reference. Pathogenic processes are accompanied by accelerated cell division. Their activity is deactivated by ions. Healthy cells practically do not change (disintegrate).
The procedure is carried out using equipment according to programmable algorithms (dose, session duration, distance to the patient). It takes a few minutes and is virtually painless. Pain can occur as a reaction of the body to structural changes within cells.
Radiation therapy uses different types of radiation depending on the location of the pathogenic process and its nature:
- Gamma rays (affect deep tissue areas and pass through the entire body);
- Beta rays (penetrating ability 2-5 mm);
- Alpha particles (0.1 mm);
- X-ray radiation ( wide range actions);
- Neutron (deep tissues resistant to ionizing radiation);
- Proton (point depth impact);
- Pi-meson (wide range).
The procedure is carried out repeatedly over 2-4 weeks. The patient is placed in a motionless position. The beam is controlled automatically according to a given program. It guarantees the destruction of tumor formation by uniform movement of particles along given axes, providing the required radiation angle and dose. The effect is enhanced by a linear particle accelerator.
In what cases is it prescribed
Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of malignant tumors and cancer of any organs and tissues.
Most often used:
- After surgery to remove a tumor or metastasis;
- If chemotherapy is not possible or surgical intervention(brain tumor);
- If there is no way to completely remove the tumor;
- On late stages cancer to eliminate pain (one-time procedure);
- Before surgery to prevent cell division;
- During surgery, if there is a risk of developing metastases to adjacent tissues;
- During treatment women's diseases- breast and cervical cancer.
The radiation therapy method is used in cosmetology to treat certain defects:
- Postoperative scars;
- Purulent and infectious (viral) formations on the skin;
- Excessive hairline;
- Overgrowth of bone tissue or salt deposits;
- Benign formations.
Unlike chemotherapy, cells are killed by radiation. Healthy structures are partially disrupted, and the use of medications kills not only pathogenic cells. They are used comprehensively in the treatment of cancer.
How is it carried out?
The procedure is carried out after measuring the tumor and determining its location. Marks are made on the skin with a marker that cannot be erased until the end of treatment. The patient is placed on an equipped couch (table) or in a special capsule (depending on the type of equipment). Each type of equipment is designed to treat specific diseases. Adjacent tissues are protected with special pads. The position of the body is fixed by frames and other devices.
The irradiation process is programmed by the doctor.
A distinction is made between remote (often used) and contact exposure to charged particles.
The first method is limited to the surface action of particles on tissue. The emitter is directed to the body surface from a certain distance depending on the dose. The flow of particles also penetrates healthy tissue cells in front of the tumor. Side effects occur and the rehabilitation period is extended.
With the contact method (brachytherapy), a special instrument (needle, wire, capsule) with a radioactive isotope is introduced into the body into the affected area. Only pathogenic cells are destroyed. The method is traumatic (with long-term implantation) and requires additional equipment for clinics.
Reference. Brachytherapy is more effective than superficial irradiation. Used when impossible surgical removal neoplasms. Effective for prostate, larynx, esophagus and intestinal cancer. It has been used in oncology practice for more than 35 years.
The following types of brachytherapy are distinguished:
- application (method of using special pads in the area of the tumor);
- internal (capsules with isotopes are injected into the blood);
- interstitial (threads with isotopes are sewn to the tumor);
- intracavitary (an instrument with radiation is inserted inside an organ or cavity);
- intraluminal (a tube with radiation is inserted into the lumen of the esophagus, trachea or bronchi);
- superficial (the isotope is placed on the affected skin or mucous membrane);
- intravascular (the radiation source is introduced into a blood vessel).
Radiation therapy is carried out according to radical, palliative or symptomatic methods. The first uses high doses and frequent radiation. The tumor is completely removed. Viability is maintained and complete recovery is ensured.
The palliative method is used when metastases have spread to vital organs (arteries), when removal of the tumor is incompatible with life. Used to keep the patient alive for a limited period. The growth of metastases slows down, pain goes away, and the patient is able to live longer.
Symptomatic radiation relieves pain, prevents compression of blood vessels, tissues and organs, ensuring a comfortable life.
Reference. Before the irradiation procedure, ointments are prescribed to prevent burns. If the dosage is incorrect, additional treatment will be required.
Duration
The procedure is carried out in a course of 2-7 weeks. When using the surgical method (only) in 99.9% of cases, a person is doomed to die within a year. Radiation therapy (in combination with surgery) prolongs life by 5 years in the last stages of cancer.
The survival rate of patients for 10 years after the radical technique is 87% (without relapse). When using external irradiation, progression-free survival is 18-67% (in the first 5 years). In the early stages, radiotherapy is used as an independent method that does not require surgical intervention. Able to localize tumor growth and prevent relapse.
Procedures are carried out frequently - 3-5 times a week. Session duration is 1-45 minutes. During radiosurgery, one-time exposure is performed. The scheme and schedule of sessions depends on the location of the tumor, general immunity and stage of the disease.
In brachytherapy, an isotope is injected into the human body once or long term when implanting the capsule.
What dose of radiation
Dosage is calculated individually. The amount of radiation is measured in grays (a unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation). It characterizes the amount of absorbed energy in 1 joule per 1 kg of body weight (3-10 Gy lethal dose).
Reference. The result of radiotherapy is directly proportional to the rate of tumor growth. Those. Slowly progressing neoplasms react poorly to ionizing radiation.
The following schemes are used for irradiation:
- Single radiation;
- Fractional (fractional from the daily norm);
- Continuous.
Each type of tumor requires a large total amount of radiation (daily). For health risks, the dose is divided or functioned.
Fractionation is of the following types:
- Classical (1.8-2.0 Gy per day 5 times a week);
- Average (4.0-5.0 Gy per day 3 times a week);
- Large (8.0-12.0 Gy per day 1-2 times a week);
- Intensely concentrated 4.0-5.0 Gy daily for 5 days);
- Accelerated (2-3 times a day with classic fractions with a reduced dose);
- Multifractionation (1.0-1.5 Gy with an interval of 4-6 hours, 2-3 times a day);
- Dynamic (the dose is calculated based on the progress of treatment);
- Split courses (irradiation for a week at maximum with breaks of 10-14 days).
Reduced dosages are used for tumors of external organs.
How is the preparation carried out?
Where is it held?
- Radiological Clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Further Professional Education of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Moscow);
- RONC named after. Bolokhin (Moscow);
- Moscow Research Institute named after P. A. Herzen (Moscow);
- Proton Therapy Center at the MRRC named after. A.F. Tsyba (Moscow region);
- FSBI "RNTsRR" of the Ministry of Health of Russia Radiotherapy Clinic (Moscow);
- FSBI "Clinical Hospital No. 1" of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation (Moscow);
- Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Moscow);
- Main Military Clinical Hospital named after N. N. Burdenko (Moscow);
- Institute plastic surgery and cosmetology (Moscow);
- Sofia Oncology Center (Moscow);
- EMC Radiation Therapy Center (Moscow);
- FMBC Clinic named after. A.I. Burnazyan FMBA of Russia (Moscow);
- Oncological medical Center Medscan (Moscow);
- Center for Radiosurgery and Radiation Therapy (St. Petersburg);
- St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. I.P. Pavlova (St. Petersburg);
- Military Medical Academy named after. S.M.Kirova (St. Petersburg);
- Volga region tomotherapy center "Saknur" (Kazan);
- Center nuclear medicine(Ufa);
- Interregional Oncology Center (Voronezh);
- Regional Clinical Hospital (Smolensk);
- Regional Oncology Center (Tver);
- Regional Oncology Center (Murmansk);
- Regional Oncology Center (Perm);
- National Medical Research Center named after. E.N. Meshalkina (Novosibirsk);
- Clinical Oncology Dispensary (Omsk);
- Primorsky Regional Oncology Center (Vladivostok);
- Regional clinical center oncology (Khabarovsk).
Price
High-tech treatment assistance is provided according to quotas in specially organized medical institutions (free of charge). A number of bureaucratic procedures delay the process.
You can get help in private clinics. A procedure session costs 1-10 thousand rubles. A course of treatment will cost 160-380 thousand rubles. Additional expenses will be required for examination and preparation for surgery (30-80 thousand rubles).
Consequences of radiotherapy
The most common symptoms with various radiation methods are:
- Partial alopecia or baldness;
- Itching, irritation and redness of the irradiated areas;
- Burns of the skin and mucous membranes (radiation dermatitis or ulcer);
- Skin cancer;
- Swelling of the legs;
- Fatigue, drowsiness, poor appetite; nausea and vomiting;
- Pain, malaise;
- Damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- Diarrhea, diarrhea, constipation; weight loss.
- Cystitis;
- Formation of fistulas, then ulcers;
- Lung damage, pneumonia, fibrosis;
- Cough, shortness of breath, runny nose;
- Increased body temperature;
- Bleeding;
- Damage to teeth and bone tissue;
- Development infectious diseases, decreased immunity;
- Decreased hemoglobin levels;
- Swelling of the throat and larynx, dry mouth, pain when swallowing.
Diet
The diet is strictly observed. You need to eat food 5-7 times a day with breaks of 3 hours. Food must be carefully processed so as not to injure the thin walls of the intestines. Main dishes are made in the form of puree.
The diet should contain high-calorie foods that cover the daily energy requirement.
During the rehabilitation period, you should drink more water (2.5-3 liters) to cleanse the body of decay products of infected tissues.
The daily menu includes porridge, boiled meat, chicken eggs, red caviar and fish, fresh dairy products, honey, dried apples and walnuts, juices from vegetables and fruits.
As vitamin products, eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and the minerals selenium and zinc. They are natural oxidants and remove toxins from the body.
Important. This diet should be followed for the rest of your life. Drinking wine and beer in small quantities is allowed.
Patients often experience taste changes. It quickly becomes boring and boring. Many patients suffer from anorexia. The diet should be as varied as possible.
Important. The body must receive sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals to function. Taking dietary supplements or other active ingredients to remove isotopes is useless.
- Contact a professional rehabilitation specialist and immunologist.
- Follow a daily and sleep schedule (10 hours).
- You relax in sanatoriums more often.
- Eat rationally.
- Chat with friends and relatives, relax with your family.
- Drink herbal teas and tea.
- Quit bad habits.
- Lead an active lifestyle, walk outdoors more often.
- See your doctor often. Get additional physical therapy.
- Use special lotions and ointments for affected areas of the skin (from burns and radiation dermatitis).
- Read more, listen to classical music, be at peace.
Radiation therapy is effective means in the fight against cancer. Effectively treats small tumors. In combination with chemotherapy it provides the best result. The possibility of relapse in the first 5 years is about 10%. To avoid negative consequences, prepare for therapy in advance, following the doctor’s recommendations.
