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Types of Radiation Therapy Used for Cancer Treatment: Complete Guide
By Prashant Baghel
Most people think of chemotherapy or surgery when they hear the word "cancer." Radiation therapy is another powerful weapon that saves millions of lives every year. It's quiet, focused, and usually doesn't hurt.
But did you know that there are different kinds of radiation therapy for different kinds of cancer, and ways to give the radiation?
We'll explain the different kinds of radiation therapy used to treat cancer in a clear and simple way in this full guide. This guide will help you feel informed and in control, whether you or a loved one is going through treatment.
If you want expert cancer care, Oncare Cancer Hospital is one of the best places to go. They offer advanced radiation therapy and full support for patients.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment method for cancer that utilizes high-energy rays, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or particle beams, to target and destroy cancer cells.
It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Radiation works so well because healthy cells can fix themselves, but cancer cells usually can't.
Radiation can be used:
- By itself
- Before surgery (to make a tumor smaller)
- After surgery (to kill any cancer cells that are still there)
- Along with chemotherapy (treatment that works together)
Types of Radiation Therapy
1. Radiation Therapy with an External Beam (EBRT)
This is the most common kind of radiation treatment. A machine outside the body sends radiation directly to the cancer.
- 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) 3D-CRT uses imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans to shape the radiation beams to match the tumour’s size and shape. This helps to minimise damage to the healthy tissue nearby.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) IMRT is a more advanced form of 3D-CRT. It adjusts the intensity of radiation beams, allowing stronger doses to be directed to the cancer while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) IGRT combines imaging and radiation to allow real-time tumour tracking. It is beneficial for tumours that move, such as those in the lungs.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) delivers high doses of focused radiation in fewer treatment sessions. It is often used for small, early-stage cancers such as those in the lung or liver.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Despite its name, SRS is not an actual surgery. It is an exact, one-time radiation treatment that is commonly used for brain tumours or spinal cancer.
2. Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
In brachytherapy, a radioactive source is placed inside the body, either close to or directly within the tumor. This method allows the cancer to receive a high dose of radiation while protecting the surrounding healthy tissues.
- Intracavitary Brachytherapy. In this type, the radioactive source is placed in a body cavity such as the uterus or vagina. It is commonly used to treat cervical or uterine cancer.
- Brachytherapy in the Interstitial Space. In this method, radioactive material is inserted directly into the tumor using needles or catheters. It is used for cancers such as prostate, breast, or head and neck cancers.
Types of Doses in Brachytherapy :
LDR (Low-Dose Rate) means radiation is given slowly over a few days.
HDR (High-Dose Rate) delivers strong radiation in just a few minutes, usually over a few treatment sessions.
3. Radiation Therapy Throughout the Body
This kind uses radioactive materials that move through the blood to find and kill cancer cells. It's usually taken by mouth in the form of a pill or through an injection. Some common examples are: Radioactive iodine (I-131) for thyroid cancer, Radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer or bone cancer pain, such as Radium-223. Systemic therapy is useful when cancer has spread or is hard to reach with beams from outside the body.
4. Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is a newer and very accurate type of external beam radiation. It uses protons, which are positively charged particles, instead of X-rays. What Makes It Special: Protons stop at the tumor and don't go past it, which protects nearby organs from damage. Great for kids and for tumors that are close to important organs like the brain or spine. Many top hospitals, like Oncare Cancer Hospital, are looking into or already offering this advanced treatment, but it isn't available everywhere yet.
5. Radiation Therapy During Surgery (IORT)
This method uses radiation right after the tumor is taken out during surgery. This lets doctors give a high dose right to the area where the cancer was.
- Usually done for cancers of the breast or stomach.
- IORT helps keep the tumor from coming back in the same spot where it was taken out.
How Doctors Pick the Right Kind
It depends on the following to choose the right kind of radiation therapy:
- The kind and stage of cancer
- Where the tumor is
- The patient's health as a whole
- Whether it's the first time or the second time
- If surgery or chemotherapy is also being used
What Happens After Radiation Therapy
Even though radiation is aimed at a specific area, side effects can still happen. They depend on the kind of therapy and the part of the body that is being treated.
Side effects that happen a lot:
- Tiredness
- Redness or irritation of the skin
- Loss of hair (only in the area that was treated)
- Feeling sick or losing your appetite
- Diarrhea or problems with urination (depending on the site)
Most side effects go away on their own and can be handled with the help of your care team.
What Oncare Cancer Hospital Does for Radiation Therapy
When it comes to radiation therapy, accuracy, experience, and patient care are what matter most.
Patients at Oncare Cancer Hospital get:
- Oncologists and radiation specialists who are experts
- Individualized treatment plans
- Full emotional and mental support
- Clear treatment process with regular check-ins
Oncare Cancer Hospital makes sure you get the best cancer treatment possible, whether you need external beam therapy, internal radiation, or newer methods like proton therapy.
In Conclusion, Radiation Therapy Can Save Lives
One of the most effective ways to treat cancer today is with radiation therapy. Each type of treatment is important for fighting cancer, from external beams to internal implants, from systemic pills to proton precision.
Patients and their families feel more confident and involved in their treatment journey when they know what kinds of radiation therapy there are. And at hospitals like Oncare Cancer Hospital, you can be sure that you're getting the best care possible, tailored just for you.
Cancer is hard. But you can get through it with the right treatment and the right team.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, radiation therapy doesn't usually hurt. Some patients may feel pain later on, like skin irritation or tiredness, but the treatment itself doesn't hurt.
External Beam Radiation, Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy), Systemic Radiation, Proton Therapy, and Intraoperative Radiation Therapy are the five main types.
Yes, in some cases. Radiation can kill small tumors completely. In some cases, it is used to shrink cancer, ease symptoms, or work with surgery and chemotherapy.
Most side effects go away after a short time, but some people may have long-term effects, like problems with fertility or tissue damage, depending on where they were treated. Before treatment, your doctor will tell you about the risks.
The Oncare Cancer Hospital has the most up-to-date technology and experienced oncologists to give you the best radiation therapy. They give each patient personalized care and support from the time they are diagnosed until they are well again.
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