Radiation therapy is one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer. Used in more than half of all cancer cases, it plays a critical role in shrinking tumors, killing cancer cells, and improving treatment outcomes. But how does it work, and when is it used alone versus combined with other treatments?
In this guide, we’ll explain the basics of radiation therapy, when it’s used on its own, and how it works in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to offer the best chance of recovery.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or protons, to damage the DNA of cancer cells. This damage prevents the cells from growing and dividing, ultimately causing them to die over time. While healthy cells can also be affected, they typically recover more effectively than cancer cells.
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are two main types of radiation therapy, each suited to different cancers and treatment goals:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT):
- Delivers high-energy beams from outside the body directly to the tumor.
- Often used for cancers in the breast, prostate, brain, and lungs.
- Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy):
- Places radioactive material inside the body, directly within or near the tumor.
- Commonly used for cancers like cervical, prostate, or skin cancer.
When Is Radiation Therapy Used Alone?
Radiation therapy can be the primary treatment for certain types of cancer, especially when:
- The cancer is small and localized.
- Surgery isn’t an option due to the patient’s health or cancer’s location.
- The goal is to relieve symptoms, such as shrinking tumors that cause pain or pressure (palliative care).
Cancers like early-stage prostate, laryngeal, or some skin cancers can often be treated effectively with radiation therapy alone.
Combining Radiation with Other Cancer Treatments
Radiation therapy is frequently combined with other treatments to increase its effectiveness and improve survival rates. Here’s how it works with different therapies:
Radiation and Surgery
- Before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy): Shrinks tumors to make removal easier.
- After surgery (adjuvant therapy): Destroys remaining cancer cells to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
- Often used together in cancers like lung, head and neck, or cervical cancer.
- Chemotherapy can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, boosting its effectiveness.
Radiation and Immunotherapy
- Radiation can enhance the immune response by making cancer cells more recognizable to the immune system.
- This combination is a promising approach in cancers like melanoma and lung cancer.
Benefits and Challenges of Radiation Therapy
Before beginning radiation therapy, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons with your oncology team.
Benefits
- Effectively targets specific cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
- Can improve success rates when combined with other treatments.
- May shrink tumors to relieve pain or improve the function of affected organs.
Challenges
- Side effects vary depending on the treatment area but may include fatigue, skin irritation, or nausea.
- Treatment duration can span several weeks, requiring frequent visits to a treatment center.
- Some patients may experience long-term effects, such as scarring or damage to nearby tissues.
Is Radiation Therapy Right for You?
Whether used alone or as part of a combined treatment plan, radiation therapy is a powerful tool in cancer care. Your oncologist will consider factors such as cancer type, stage, and overall health when determining the best course of action.
If you or a loved one is navigating cancer treatment, contact South Carolina Oncology Associates to discuss whether radiation therapy could offer the best chance of recovery.
Sources:
https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/role-radiation-or-without-chemotherapy-management-nsclc
