What is Radiation Oncology’s Role in Cancer Treatment?

In short, radiation oncology uses high-energy waves to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

• Targeted therapy. Radiation oncology targets specific areas of the body to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
• Versatile treatment. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to treat various cancer types.
• Pain management. Palliative radiation therapy effectively shrinks tumors to relieve pain and improve the quality of life for advanced cancer patients.

Radiation oncology is a critical medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer. While the word “radiation” might sound intimidating, this field of medicine is incredibly precise and has saved countless lives. It works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, which stops them from growing and dividing.

Over time, these damaged cells die, and the body naturally removes them. This guide will explore exactly how radiation oncology fits into cancer care, the different types of treatments available, and what patients can expect during the process.

What Is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology is one of the three main pillars of cancer treatment, alongside surgery and chemotherapy. It involves the controlled use of radiation to treat cancer either for cure or to reduce symptoms.

Doctors who specialize in this field are called radiation oncologists. They work closely with a team of medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists to design a treatment plan that is safe and effective. The goal is always to deliver the right dose of radiation to the tumor while protecting the healthy organs and tissues nearby.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than half of all people with cancer will receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment. This statistic highlights just how vital radiation oncology is in the fight against this disease.

How Does Radiation Therapy Kill Cancer Cells?

Radiation therapy works by damaging the genetic material within cancer cells.

When high-energy beams — such as X-rays or protons — hit the cancer cells, they create small breaks in the DNA. Cancer cells are generally less efficient at repairing this damage compared to healthy cells.

Because they cannot repair themselves, the cancer cells stop dividing and eventually die. It is important to note that radiation does not kill cancer cells instantly.

It takes days or weeks of treatment before enough DNA damage accumulates to kill the cancer cells. Furthermore, the cancer cells continue to die for weeks or months after the radiation therapy ends.

What Are the Main Types of Radiation Therapy?

Radiation oncology utilizes two main approaches to deliver treatment. The type used depends on the kind of cancer, its location, and the patient’s overall health.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

This is the most common type of radiation therapy. A machine outside the body aims high-energy beams at the cancer.

The machine moves around the patient to send radiation from many different angles. A specific form of this is intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

IMRT uses advanced technology to manipulate the radiation beams to conform to the shape of a tumor. This precision minimizes the dose to surrounding normal tissues.

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

Internal radiation involves placing a radioactive source inside the body. This source can be solid (seeds, ribbons, or capsules) or liquid.

Brachytherapy allows doctors to deliver a higher dose of radiation to a smaller area than might be possible with external treatment. This method is often used for cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix, prostate, and eye.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

This advanced technique delivers a very high dose of radiation to a small tumor with extreme precision. Unlike traditional treatments that take weeks, SBRT is often completed in just 1 to 5 sessions. It is commonly used for lung, liver, spine, and prostate cancers.

When Is Radiation Oncology Used?

Radiation oncology is versatile and serves multiple roles depending on the stage and type of cancer.

Curative Treatment

For some cancers, radiation therapy alone is enough to cure the patient. This is often the case for early-stage cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma or localized prostate cancer.

In these instances, the radiation oncologist aims to eliminate all traces of the cancer from the body.

Adjuvant Therapy

Adjuvant therapy means radiation is used alongside other treatments. For example, it is frequently used after surgery to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells.

A PubMed study found that for women with early-stage breast cancer, adding radiation therapy after lumpectomy significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence. This demonstrates the power of combining treatments for better outcomes.

Neoadjuvant Therapy

Sometimes, radiation is given before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant therapy.

The goal here is to shrink the tumor so that it is easier to surgically remove. This approach is common in treating rectal and esophageal cancers.

Palliative Care

In advanced stages of cancer, a cure may not be possible. However, radiation oncology plays a crucial role in palliative care.

Palliative radiation is used to shrink tumors that are causing pain or pressing on vital organs. By reducing the size of the tumor, doctors can relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What Side Effects Should Patients Expect?

While radiation oncology targets cancer cells, it can also affect nearby healthy cells. This can lead to side effects.

Most side effects are localized to the area being treated. For example, radiation to the chest usually does not cause hair loss on the head.

Common Short-Term Side Effects

• Fatigue: Feeling very tired is the most common side effect. It often builds up during treatment.
• Skin Changes: The skin in the treated area may look red, swollen, or sunburned.
• Hair Loss: This only occurs at the treatment site.

Long-Term Side Effects

Some side effects may not appear until months or years after treatment ends. These can include changes in lung or heart function if the chest was treated.

However, modern radiation oncology techniques are designed to minimize these risks significantly.

How Is a Treatment Plan Developed?

The process begins with a consultation with a radiation oncologist.

During this visit, the doctor reviews the patient’s medical history, imaging tests (like CT scans or MRIs), and pathology reports. If radiation is recommended, the next step is simulation.

The Simulation Process

Simulation is a planning session. It ensures that the radiation is delivered to the exact same spot every time.

During simulation, the patient lies on a table in the treatment position. The team may use immobilization devices, such as masks or molds, to help the patient stay still.

A CT scan is then taken to map out the tumor and surrounding organs.

Treatment Planning

After simulation, the radiation oncologist works with dosimetrists and medical physicists. They use sophisticated computer software to plan the treatment.

They calculate the angles and intensity of the radiation beams. The goal is to maximize the dose to the tumor while keeping the dose to healthy tissues as low as possible.

What Happens During a Treatment Session?

Radiation therapy sessions are typically painless and quick.

A single session usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, although the actual radiation delivery takes only a few minutes. The rest of the time is spent positioning the patient correctly.

The patient lies on the treatment table, and the radiation therapist operates the machine from a separate room. They can see and hear the patient at all times through cameras and an intercom system.

Most patients receive treatment five days a week for several weeks. This schedule allows healthy cells time to recover between sessions while the cancer cells continue to die.

Is Radiation Oncology Safe?

Yes, radiation therapy is a safe and highly regulated medical practice.

Radiation oncologists and medical physicists follow strict quality assurance protocols. They constantly check the machines to ensure they are delivering the correct dose.

Furthermore, advances in technology have made radiation therapy more precise than ever before. Techniques like image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) allow doctors to take images during treatment to ensure the tumor has not moved.

How Does Radiation Oncology Work with Immunotherapy?

An exciting area of research is the combination of radiation oncology and immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. Recent studies suggest that radiation can essentially “prime” the immune system.

When radiation kills cancer cells, it releases proteins that alert the immune system to the presence of the tumor. This is known as the “abscopal effect.”

This means that treating a tumor in one part of the body with radiation could potentially help shrink tumors in other parts of the body by activating the immune system.

Does Wooster Community Hospital Offer Radiation Oncology?

Wooster Community Hospital provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology services.

Understanding a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Accessing top-tier care close to home makes a significant difference in the treatment journey.

At Wooster Community Hospital, patients have access to advanced technology and a compassionate team dedicated to fighting cancer.

Advanced Technology and Care

The hospital utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to deliver precise radiation therapy.

This ensures that residents of Wayne County and surrounding areas do not need to travel far for high-quality treatment. The team focuses on personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Collaborative Approach

The cancer care team at Wooster Community Hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach.

Radiation oncologists collaborate with surgeons, medical oncologists, and other specialists. This ensures that every aspect of the patient’s health is considered.

Whether the goal is cure or comfort, radiation oncology remains a cornerstone of effective cancer treatment. It offers hope and healing to millions of people every year.

Call (330) 263-8100 or use our appointment request form to set up a consultation with us. We look forward to serving you!