Radiation Therapy: What Is It, How Is It Done, and What Are Its Side Effects?

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment commonly preferred for cancer patients, utilizing high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment commonly preferred for cancer patients, utilizing high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. X-rays are primarily used in radiotherapy, although protons and other types of energy can also be employed. High doses of radiation treatment cause cancer cells to die or damage their DNA, slowing their growth. While radiation therapy kills cancerous cells, it can also harm healthy cells. The goal of radiotherapy is to combat cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells as much as possible. Normal cells can repair most of the damage caused by radiation therapy. There are two main types of radiotherapy: external beam radiation and internal radiation. The type of radiation treatment to be received is determined based on various factors such as the size, type, and location of the cancer in the body, as well as your overall health condition. Although radiotherapy is very effective in cancer treatment, many side effects may arise due to the treatment. In this article, you can find answers to questions you may have, such as what radiation therapy is, how it is performed, and what its side effects are.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Various treatment methods have been developed to combat cancer, which is a common and deadly disease among modern illnesses. Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is one of the most commonly used and effective treatment types in cancer treatment. Radiation therapy is performed by applying high doses of X-rays, which belong to the ultraviolet light group with high electromagnetic wave frequencies, to cancerous tissues. Due to its ability to alter the DNA structure where genetic information is stored, X-rays penetrate tissue layers when delivered to the body, reaching cancer cells in deeper tissues. This process changes the genetics of the cancer cells, leading to their destruction and preventing their reproduction. Damaged cells are broken down by the body and eliminated. The death of cancerous cells does not occur immediately after radiation therapy. It can take days or weeks for the DNA to be damaged enough to kill cancer cells. Even after the completion of radiation therapy, cancer cells continue to die for weeks. Radiation therapy is most commonly used to treat cancers of the head and neck, thyroid, breast, prostate, and eyes. It is often applied in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Radiation therapy can be administered before other treatments, during the same period, or after other treatments to achieve more favorable results. The timing of radiation therapy depends on the type of cancer being treated and whether the purpose of radiation therapy is to treat the disease or reduce symptoms. Radiation therapy can be combined with surgical operations and can be applied in various ways. The methods of combining it with surgical operations include:

• It can be applied before surgery to shrink the size of the cancer. The reduced cancerous tissue can be more easily removed during surgery, lowering the risk of cancer recurrence.
• It can be directed straight to the cancerous tissue without coming into contact with the skin during surgery. This type of radiation therapy is called intraoperative radiation, and it allows for better protection of healthy tissues.
• It can be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
  Radiation therapy can also be used to treat benign tumors besides cancer.

How Is Radiation Therapy Performed?

Radiation therapy varies according to the methods and devices used. Some methods used in radiation therapy include:

• External Radiation: In external radiation therapy, a radiation machine moves around your body without touching you, sending radiation to the cancer area. Devices that produce different types of radiation in external radiation therapy include medium-voltage X-ray machines, Cobalt-60 machines, linear accelerators, proton beam machines, and neutron beam machines. The device used is selected by the physician based on the type of cancer. External radiation does not cause pain, so you won’t feel anything during your treatment. External radiation therapy is generally applied on an outpatient basis five days a week. To allow healthy cells affected by radiation to recover, treatment may be spread over several weeks. Each treatment lasts approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
• Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): In internal radiation therapy, small catheters or applicators are placed to deliver radiation to the area where the cancer is located. These devices are repositioned for each treatment and removed at the end of the therapy. Since the treatment will be performed under anesthesia, it typically takes longer than external radiation therapy. Hospitalization is usually not required. The advantage of this method is that because brachytherapy is applied directly to the cancerous tissue, exposure of normal tissues to radiation is lower while allowing for a higher dose of radiation to the cancerous tissue. Internal radiation therapy is more commonly used in prostate and certain gynecological cancers.

What Are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?

While radiation therapy is effective in fighting cancer, it can cause some side effects; however, most of these side effects are treatable or preventable. Many of these side effects typically resolve on their own after treatment ends. Side effects can vary from person to person and depend on the treated area and the type of radiation therapy received. Some potential side effects of radiation therapy include:

• Radiation therapy can cause pain in your skin and may result in your skin color being lighter or darker than your normal skin tone. It can also lead to dry skin and itching. These symptoms usually start about 1 to 2 weeks after treatment begins.
• Most patients undergoing radiation therapy experience fatigue. Patients may feel weak throughout the day and tire quickly during daily activities. This side effect can occur when treatment starts and may continue for several weeks or months after treatment ends.
• Another common side effect of radiation therapy is hair loss. Unlike hair loss from chemotherapy, hair loss occurs only in the treated area. Hair loss typically begins 2-3 weeks after treatment starts and regrows after treatment is completed, although hair loss can be permanent in some patients.
• Radiation therapy can also lead to eating and drinking problems. During treatment, side effects such as mouth sores, appetite issues, weight loss, and discomfort when swallowing can occur.
• Diarrhea can also be a problem during radiation therapy. It is a common side effect seen with radiation treatment to the abdominal and pelvic areas. It usually appears a few days after treatment begins and can worsen during the treatment period. Generally, it resolves on its own after treatment ends.
• Your joints and muscles in the treated area may become stiff and uncomfortable.
• If the lower abdomen, pelvic area, or groin is being treated, radiation therapy may affect your sexual health and fertility. In women, it can lead to decreased libido, vaginal stiffness and narrowing, vaginal dryness, and infertility issues. In men, side effects may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, pain during ejaculation, and infertility. If there is a risk of infertility, it may be beneficial to store some of your eggs or sperm before treatment.
• Undergoing radiation therapy can be a stressful and traumatic process for you. This situation can increase your risk of stress, anxiety, and depression; however, it is normal to feel this way and to wonder about the success of your treatment.
• Remember that the positive effects of radiation therapy outweigh the risks associated with it. If you have concerns about the treatment or any questions on your mind, you can talk to your doctor and start your treatment.