The branch of science that applies radiotherapy is called radiation oncology. Radiation oncology treats cancer patients using two methods called radiation surgery and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can be applied immediately after diagnosis, along with chemotherapy or after surgery. Radiotherapy is planned by a radiation oncologist.
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) in Head and Neck Tumors
If head and neck tumors are detected at an early stage, the treatment is surgical. Post-surgical radiotherapy is applied to clean the remaining tumor cells in the surgical area and to treat the cancer if it has spread to the lymph nodes in the area. Radiotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. As with early stage vocal cord tumors, using radiotherapy instead of surgery helps to preserve organ functions. It is more appropriate to apply radiotherapy and chemotherapy together in advanced stage head and neck tumors. Surgery is not considered in nasopharyngeal cancer even if it is in the early stage. Radiotherapy is applied together with chemotherapy or alone.
In head and neck tumors, it is aimed to protect the salivary glands with intensity modulated radiotherapy. In this way, dry mouth is prevented after radiotherapy.
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) in Brain Tumors
Intensity modulated radiotherapy, which is an advanced form of 3D radiotherapy, is also very effective in brain tumor cases. Intensity modulated radiotherapy is also effective in benign meningiomas.
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) in Brain Tumors
Intensity modulated radiotherapy, which is an advanced form of 3D radiotherapy, is also very effective in brain tumor cases. Intensity modulated radiotherapy is also effective in benign meningiomas.
Radiotherapy in Prostate Treatments (IGRT)
The prostate is an organ found in men. It is between the last part of the large intestine and the urinary bladder. The location of the prostate may change depending on the fullness of the rectum (the last part of the large intestine) and urinary bladder. When applying radiotherapy in prostate tumors, it is very important to locate the prostate correctly. It is undesirable to give large doses of radiation to the rectum and urinary bladder while giving radiotherapy. For this purpose, 3 gold markers are placed into the prostate via the rectum. Thus even more Radiotherapy can be performed in an area and at a more accurate dose. Gold markers are placed under anesthesia.
What is RPM System?
RPM is an abbreviation for Real-time Position Management. It is a video-based display system. In this way, quality images can be obtained in the lung, breast and upper abdomen regions. The RPM system is fast, reliable and easy to use. During the procedure, the patient is asked to hold and release breathing. In the meantime, the movement of the tumor is monitored. The therapy device is adjusted to operate according to respiration. In left breast tumors, the lung swells during deep breathing and pushes the heart away from the chest wall. In the meantime, when irradiation is made, the heart and heart vessels are protected from the radiation. The RPM system is used in cases of pancreatic, liver and lung cancer.
Simultaneous Integrated Boost Method in Radiotherapy
With IMRT, the radiation dose is adjusted so that normal tissues are not damaged. At the same time, the process of giving different doses for different treatment protocols is called simultaneous integrated boost (SIB). This method is used in tumors of the digestive system, tumors of the reproductive tract in women, and head and neck tumors.
TrueBeam STx Device
The TrueBeam STx is an advanced radiotherapy device. It is used in the treatment of tumors that are difficult to reach. It has the feature of giving higher doses in a shorter time. It reduces the number and duration of radiotherapy sessions. Truebeam provides targeted treatment with high accuracy and precision. The location of the tumor is determined by taking a 3D image before and during the treatment, and the exact target is reached while the tumor is irradiated. In this way, the intact tissue is not damaged. TrueBeam STx is especially preferred in the treatment of tumors adjacent to the brain and risky organs. When the TrueBeam STx is a fast device, it can reduce treatment time to 2 minutes. This increases the patient's compliance with the treatment. Another advantage is that normal tissue can be preserved. TrueBeam STx can be used in conditions that require respiratory monitoring such as lung, liver and breast cancers.
TrueBeam side effects
As it is a targeted therapy, side effects are generally not seen. There may be side effects in the application area. Side effects may be different for each patient.
Unique Rapidarc Device
During intensity-adjusted radiotherapy, the patient should lie still on the table for 15-20 minutes. With the unique rapidarc device, the treatment time can be shortened 2-8 times. In addition, intact tissues are well protected. Thus, the comfort of the patient is ensured and his health is protected. In our clinic, there is a Varian 2300CD linear accelerator and a Varian Unique RapidArc device.
How is the Radiotherapy Process in Cancer Treatment?
Most patients become anxious as soon as they learn that they need radiotherapy. The information we provide here about the radiotherapy process will reduce your anxiety to some extent.
Radiotherapy is a team effort. Your radiotherapy process is planned by the radiation oncologist. The treatment method to be used, the number of sessions and the duration of the session are determined by the doctor. It is the duty of the radiation technician to apply radiation therapy within the framework of the plan. The radiophysicist is responsible for setting up the devices. The radiation nurse informs you about the side effects of the treatment. When side effects occur, they intervene together with the doctor.
What is Radiation Therapy?
It is a form of treatment that prevents cell growth and proliferation by sending radiation to the center of cancer cells. More intense radiation is used than normal x-rays. In the meantime, healthy tissues may also be damaged, but healthy cells renew themselves faster than cancer cells.
How is Radiation Given?
External radiation therapy: The device sends radiation beams in beams to the cancerous area. The number of sessions and the duration of the treatment vary according to the patient.
Internal radiation therapy: Radiotherapy is performed with the help of radioactive needles or seeds placed in the body. You can get detailed information about this from your doctor.
What you need to know about the treatment
- The treatment usually takes 15-30 minutes. However, the irradiation time is usually 2-3 minutes.
- The sensitive areas are protected from radiation by placing special protectors inside the device.
- You will be alone in the room during the treatment.
- You will not feel anything during the treatment.
- They watch you with cameras outside while you are inside.
- If you have a problem you can speak, in which case your voice is on the duty party� It is heard from.
- You should not move during the treatment. You should hold your breath when you are told and release it when necessary.
- The device may make a sound while it is operating.
- The radiation turns off automatically when the treatment is finished.
- You will have weekly doctor visits during the radiotherapy process.
What are the Side Effects of Radiotherapy?
Side effects are usually related to damaged normal tissues in the treated area. Side effects may vary depending on the area being treated. Some patients do not experience side effects.
Side effects usually start in the 2nd week and can last for weeks or months. Side effects end 1 month after treatment ends. Side effects seen may vary from patient to patient. Before starting radiotherapy, your doctor will inform you about the side effects that may occur.
The most common side effects are weakness, fatigue, skin changes, mouth sores and loss of appetite.
1. Fatigue is the most common side effect. It is more common in those receiving long-term radiotherapy. You may recover within a few months after the treatment ends. If you feel very tired during radiotherapy, take a lot of walks, rest during the day, seek help from your close circle, eat healthy.
2. Redness, drying and shedding of the skin may occur due to radiotherapy. Sometimes watery sores may occur. It improves after the treatment is over.
The area damaged by radiotherapy:
- Wash gently,
- Use mild soap,
- Wear cotton clothes,
- Do not scrub,
- Do not use very hot or cold water,
- Protect from sun and wind,
- Stay away from chlorinated pools,
- Avoid the sun,
- Use a moisturizer.
- Eat when you are hungry.
- Eat little by little, often.
- Try new foods. Focus on your favorite foods.
- Make the dinner table enjoyable. Dine with your social circle.
5. If you have nausea during or after the treatment, your doctor will give you the appropriate drugs.
6. some r There may be a decrease in blood values in types of radiotherapy. In this case, the treatment is interrupted.
7. Smoking and alcohol use is not recommended during radiotherapy.
8. Radiation therapy may cause a decrease in sexual desire.
9. Another important issue is that vitamins and antioxidants should not be used during radiotherapy.
10. The patient who receives radiotherapy does not become radioactive. You don't need to stay away from society.
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