Radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. This treatment is usually administered from outside the body using a device (external beam radiation therapy). However, in some specific cases, radioactive materials can also be placed directly near or inside the tumor to deliver treatment (brachytherapy).

The duration of radiation therapy can vary from a few sessions to several weeks, depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment goals, and the method used. The treatment plan is meticulously prepared by a specialist radiation oncologist.

Our Personalized Approach to Radiation Therapy

At our clinic, radiation therapy is used as an important part of cancer treatment with a personalized approach. Every patient’s situation is unique, and therefore, the following factors are considered in treatment planning:

• Patient’s Overall Health Status: Your existing health issues and general condition play a significant role in treatment selection and planning.

• Tumor Location and Stage: The location, size, and extent of spread of the cancerous tumor in the body determine the treatment area and radiation dose.

• Treatment Goals: Radiation therapy can be administered with the aim of completely eliminating the cancer (curative) or alleviating symptoms (palliative).

Radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment option, especially for certain types of cancer such as head and neck cancers, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and some brain tumors. Successful outcomes can be achieved with radiation therapy in cases where the tumor is localized and metastasis is limited.

Chemotherapy vs. Radiation Therapy: Key Differences

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are frequently used in cancer treatment, differ in their mechanisms of action:

• Chemotherapy: Provides systemic treatment through drugs. The drugs enter the bloodstream and can target cancer cells throughout the body.

• Radiation Therapy: Provides local treatment by focusing directly on a specific area. Radiation beams are effective only in the area to which they are directed.

Therefore, chemotherapy is generally preferred for cancers that have spread (metastatic) or are present in multiple areas, while radiation therapy is often used as the primary treatment method for localized and controllable tumors. In some cases, these two methods can also be used in combination.

Cancer Types and Stages Where Radiation Therapy is Used Alone (Without Chemotherapy)

In some early-stage cancers or limited tumors in specific areas, treatment can be provided with radiation therapy alone. Examples include:

• Early-Stage Head and Neck Cancers: Radiation therapy can be an effective alternative in cases where surgery is not suitable or the patient prefers not to undergo surgery.

• Prostate Cancer (Low-Risk Group): Radiation therapy alone is a successful treatment option for early-stage and low-risk prostate cancers.

• Cervical Cancer: Adjuvant radiation therapy ( вспомогательная лучевая терапия) may be used after surgery in some stages to reduce the risk of recurrence.
  
  

Protective (Prophylactic) Radiation Therapy: When is it Necessary?

Protective radiation therapy is a form of treatment administered to prevent cancer recurrence (relapse) or to eliminate microscopic cancer cells that are not yet detectable by imaging methods. Examples include:

• Lung Cancer (Risk of Brain Metastasis): In some types of lung cancer, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), which is protective brain radiation therapy, may be administered to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to the brain.

• Post-Surgery: Radiation therapy can be applied to the area where the cancerous tumor was removed (tumor bed) or to the surrounding at-risk tissues to significantly reduce the risk of local recurrence.
  

Recent Medical Advances in Radiation Therapy

Technological advancements in the field of radiation therapy offer the potential to increase treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects:

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): This advanced technique allows the intensity of radiation beams to be adjusted in different areas of the tumor, thus delivering a high dose to the tumor while better protecting the surrounding healthy tissues.

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): These high-precision methods enable the delivery of a high dose of radiation to small and well-defined tumors in a single or a few sessions. They are an effective option, especially for brain tumors, early-stage lung tumors, and liver metastases.

• Proton Therapy: This advanced form of radiation therapy uses charged particles called protons to target radiation more precisely to the tumor and minimize the radiation reaching healthy tissues. It can be advantageous, particularly in childhood cancers and tumors in sensitive areas.