Radiation reaction after radiation therapy. Radiation in oncology, radiation therapy for cancer

Should I always be treated in hospital?

Most radiation treatments today do not require a hospital stay. The patient can spend the night at home and come to the clinic on an outpatient basis, solely for the treatment itself. The exception is those types of radiation therapy that require such extensive preparation that going home simply does not make sense. The same applies to treatments that require surgery, such as brachytherapy, which involves radiation from the inside.
For some complex combination chemoradiotherapy treatments, it is also advisable to remain in the clinic.

In addition, exceptions are possible when deciding on possible outpatient treatment if the patient's general condition does not allow treatment on an outpatient basis or if doctors believe that regular observation would be safer for the patient.

How much weight can I bear during radiation therapy?

Whether treatment changes the load limit depends on the type of treatment. The likelihood of developing side effects with irradiation of the head or volumetric irradiation of large tumors is greater than with targeted irradiation of a small tumor. The underlying disease and general condition play an important role. If the overall condition of patients is severely limited due to the underlying disease, if they have symptoms such as pain, or have lost weight, then radiation represents an additional burden.

Ultimately, the mental situation also has its influence. Treatment for several weeks abruptly interrupts the usual rhythm of life, is repeated again and again, and in itself is tiring and burdensome.

In general, even among patients with the same disease, doctors observe great differences - some experience virtually no problems, others clearly feel sick, their condition is limited by side effects such as fatigue, headaches or lack of appetite, they need more rest . Many patients feel at least well enough overall that, during outpatient treatment, they are only moderately limited or not limited at all in performing simple tasks.

Whether higher physical activity, such as sports or short trips, is allowed between courses of treatment should be decided by the attending physician. Anyone who wants to return to their workplace during the period of exposure must also discuss this issue with doctors and the health insurance fund.

What should I pay attention to regarding nutrition?

The effects of radiation or radionuclide therapy on nutrition are difficult to describe in general terms. Patients who receive high doses of radiation in the mouth, larynx or throat are in a completely different situation than, for example, patients with breast cancer, in whom the digestive tract is completely excluded from the radiation field and in whose case treatment is mainly , is carried out to consolidate the success of the operation.

Patients whose digestive tract is not affected during treatment usually do not have to worry about any nutritional or digestive consequences.
They can eat as usual, but they need to pay attention to consuming enough calories and a balanced combination of foods.

How should you eat if your head or digestive tract is irradiated?

Patients in whom the oral cavity, larynx or digestive tract are the target of radiation, or whose associated radiation exposure cannot be avoided, require the supervision of a nutritionist, in accordance with the recommendations of the German and European Society of Dietetics (www.dgem.de). In their case, you can expect problems when eating. The mucous membrane may be damaged, leading to pain and risk of infection. In the worst case scenario, swallowing problems and other functional impairments are also possible. It is necessary to avoid insufficient supply of energy and nutrients that can arise due to this type of problem, which in certain circumstances can even lead to interruption of treatment, this is the opinion of professional societies.

Monitoring and support are especially needed for those patients who, even before the start of radiation, could not eat normally, lost weight and/or showed certain deficiencies. The question of whether a patient needs maintenance nutrition ("Nutrition for astronauts") or the insertion of a feeding tube is decided depending on the individual situation, preferably before the start of treatment.

Patients who develop nausea or vomiting that is time-associated with radiation should be sure to talk to their doctors about medications that control nausea.

Do complementary or alternative medications, vitamins, and minerals help with the effects of radiation?

Out of fear of side effects, many patients turn to medications that are said to protect them from radiation damage and side effects. In terms of products that patients ask about at the Cancer Information Service, here is what we call a "top list" that includes complementary and alternative therapies, vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements.

However, the vast majority of these proposals are not drugs at all and they have no role in treating cancer. In particular, with regard to some vitamins, there is debate about whether they may even have a negative effect on the effects of radiation:

The purported protection against side effects offered by so-called radical scavengers or antioxidants such as vitamin A, C or E could, at least in theory, counteract the necessary effect of ionizing radiation in tumors. That is, not only healthy tissue would be protected, but also cancer cells.
Early clinical trials in patients with head and neck tumors appear to confirm this concern.

Can I prevent damage to the skin and mucous membranes with proper care?

Irradiated skin requires careful care. Washing in most cases is not taboo, however, it should be done, if possible, without the use of soap, shower gel, etc., as recommended by the working group on side effects of the German Society of Radiation Oncology. Using perfume or deodorant is also inadvisable. As for powder, creams or ointments, in this case you can only use what the doctor has approved. Once the radiation therapist has marked your skin, it should not be removed. The linen should not press or rub; when drying with a towel, do not rub the skin.

The first symptoms of a reaction often resemble a mild sunburn. If more intense redness or even blistering occurs, patients should consult a doctor, even if a medical appointment has not been scheduled. In the long term, irradiated skin may change pigmentation, meaning it may become either slightly darker or lighter. Sweat glands may be destroyed. However, today severe injuries have become very rare.

What should dental care look like?

For patients who must undergo radiation to the head and/or neck, dental care poses a special challenge. The mucous membrane is one of the tissues whose cells divide very quickly, and it suffers from treatment more than, for example, the skin. Small, painful sores are quite common. The risk of developing infections increases.
If at all possible, you should consult with a dentist before starting radiation, perhaps even a dental clinic that has experience preparing patients for radiation therapy. Dental defects, if any, should be eliminated before treatment, however, this is often impossible to do on time for practical reasons.
During irradiation, experts recommend brushing your teeth thoroughly, but very carefully, to reduce the number of bacteria in the oral cavity, despite the possible damage to the mucous membrane. To protect teeth, many radiologists work with treating dentists to administer fluoride prophylaxis using gels that are used like toothpaste or applied directly to the teeth through a mouthguard over a period of time.

Will my hair fall out?

Hair loss due to radiation can only occur if the part of the head covered with hair is in the radiation field and the radiation dose is relatively high. This also applies to the hair on the body, which falls into the radiation field. Thus, adjuvant radiation to the breast for breast cancer, for example, does not affect scalp hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. Only hair growth in the armpit area on the affected side, which is exposed to the radiation field, may become more sparse. However, if the hair follicles are truly damaged, it may take six months or more before visible hair growth reappears. What hair care should look like during this time should be discussed with your doctor. Good sun protection for the scalp is important.

Some patients, after irradiation of the head, are forced to reckon with the fact that for some time hair growth directly at the site of the rays will be scanty. At doses above 50 Gray, radiation therapy specialists assume that not all hair follicles will be able to grow back. To date, there are no effective means to combat or prevent this problem.

Will I be "radioactive"? Should I stay away from other people?

This needs to be clarified

Ask your doctors about this! They will explain to you whether you will be in contact with radioactive substances at all. This does not happen with normal radiation. If you do come into contact with such substances, you and your family will receive several recommendations from your doctors about protecting yourself from radiation.

This issue worries many patients, as well as their loved ones, especially if there are small children or pregnant women in the family.
With “normal” transcutaneous radiotherapy, the patient himself is still not radioactive! The rays penetrate his body and there they give off their energy, which is absorbed by the tumor. No radioactive material is used. Even close physical contact is completely safe for relatives and friends.

With brachytherapy, radioactive material may remain in the patient's body for a short time. While the patient is “emitting rays,” he usually remains in the hospital. When doctors give the green light for discharge, there is no longer any danger to family and visitors.

Are there long-term consequences that I should take into account even after a few years?

Radiation therapy: For many patients, radiation treatment leaves no visible changes to the skin or internal organs. However, they need to know that tissue once irradiated remains more susceptible for a long time, even if this is not very noticeable in everyday life. However, if we take into account the increased sensitivity of the skin during body care, when treating possible irritations resulting from exposure to sunlight, as well as mechanical stress on the tissue, then usually little can happen.
When carrying out medical activities in the area of ​​the former radiation field, when taking blood, physiotherapy, etc., the responsible specialist must indicate that he should be careful. Otherwise, even with minor injuries, there is a danger that, in the absence of professional treatment, the healing process will proceed incorrectly and a chronic wound will form.

Organ damage

Not only the skin, but every organ that has received too high a dose of radiation can respond to irradiation with tissue changes.
This includes scar changes, in which healthy tissue is replaced by less elastic connective tissue (atrophy, sclerosis), and the function of the tissue or organ itself is lost.
The blood supply is also affected. It is either insufficient, since the connective tissue is less well supplied with blood through the veins, or multiple small and dilated veins (telangiectasia) are formed. After irradiation, the glands and tissues of the mucous membranes become very sensitive and, due to scarring, react to the smallest changes by sticking.

What organs are affected?

Typically, only those areas that were actually in the radiation field are affected. If an organ is affected, scarring, for example in the salivary glands, the oral cavity and other parts of the digestive tract, the vagina or the genitourinary tract, under certain circumstances actually leads to loss of function or to the formation of obstructive narrowings.

The brain and nerves can also be damaged by high doses of radiation. If the uterus, ovaries, testicles or prostate gland were in the path of the rays, the ability to conceive children may be lost.

Damage to the heart is also possible, for example in patients with cancer in whom radiation to the chest was not able to bypass the heart.

From clinical and preclinical studies, radiologists know the tissue-specific radiation doses at which similar or other severe damage can be expected. Therefore, they try to avoid such stress as much as possible. New targeted irradiation techniques have made this task easier.

If it is impossible to reach the tumor without irradiating a sensitive organ along the way, then patients, along with their doctors, must jointly consider the balance of benefit and risk.

Secondary cancers

In the worst case scenario, delayed effects in healthy cells also lead to the appearance of radiation-induced secondary tumors (secondary carcinomas). They are explained by persistent changes in the genetic substance. A healthy cell can repair such damage, but only to a certain extent. Under certain conditions, they are still transmitted to daughter cells. There is an increased risk that further cell division will cause even more damage and eventually cause a tumor. In general, the risk after exposure is small. It can often take several decades before such an “error” actually occurs. However, the majority of all exposed cancer patients become ill in the second half of their lives. This must be taken into account when comparing possible risks and benefits of treatment.

In addition, the load with new irradiation methods is much less than with those methods that were used a couple of decades ago. For example, young women who have received extensive radiation to the chest because of lymphoma, called magnetic field radiation around the chest, tend to have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. For this reason, when treating lymphomas, doctors try to use extensive radiation as little as possible. Among prostate cancer patients who received radiation therapy using conventional methods before the late 1980s, the risk of developing bowel cancer is higher than in healthy men. A current study by American scientists shows that since about 1990 the risk has decreased significantly - the use of newer and much more targeted radiation techniques now means that in most men the intestines are no longer exposed to the radiation field at all.

Radiation in oncology, or radiation therapy, is used to cause the harmful effects of ionizing radiation on cancer cells. As a result, malignant tumors are destroyed at the molecular level. This method of therapy has proven effectiveness and is widely used in medicine. However, the use of radiation in oncology has a number of negative consequences that can manifest themselves both at the beginning of therapy and long after it.

Radiation, or radiotherapy, is used to eliminate tumor formations of malignant and benign origin, as well as to treat non-tumor diseases when other therapy is ineffective. Most cancer patients with different types of cancer are treated with radiation. It can be carried out as an independent method of treatment, or combined with other methods: surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.

The goal of radiation therapy is the penetration of ionizing radiation into the pathological formation and having a destructive effect on it. The effect of therapy is due to the high radiosensitivity of cancer cells. When exposed to radiation, trophic processes and reproductive function are disrupted at the molecular level. This determines the main effect of radiotherapy, since the main danger of cancer cells lies in their active division, growth and spread. After some time, pathological tissues are destroyed without the possibility of restoration. Formations that are particularly sensitive to radiation include lymphomas, seminomas, leukemia, and myelomas.

Reference! During radiotherapy, the negative effects of radiation also extend to healthy cells, but their susceptibility to it is much lower than that of cancer cells. At the same time, the ability to recover in normal tissue is quite high compared to pathological lesions. Therefore, the benefits of the treatment prevail over its possible consequences.

Radiation therapy does not cause organic and functional disorders in organs and is the leading method in the treatment of cancer. It quickly eliminates the symptoms of the disease and increases survival rates. In palliative treatment, it improves the quality of life of seriously ill patients, softening the clinical picture of the disease.

Attention! The age and size of the tumor directly affect the effectiveness of the radiation given. The younger the formation, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, in this case, timely consultation with a doctor is of great importance.

Classification of radiation therapy

With the development of medical technologies, radiotherapy methods are being improved that can significantly reduce the negative consequences of treatment and increase its effectiveness. Based on the source of ionization radiation, the following types of exposure are distinguished:

• alpha, beta, gamma therapy. These types of radiation differ in the degree of penetration;
• X-ray therapy– it is based on X-ray radiation;
• neutron therapy– carried out with the help of neutrons;
• proton therapy– based on the use of proton radiation;
• pi-meson therapy– a new radiotherapy technique that uses nuclear particles produced by specialized equipment.

Based on the type of radiation exposure to a person, radiotherapy for oncology can be:

• external(external) - focused ionized beams are delivered through the skin using a linear accelerator of charged particles. Usually the doctor determines a specific area for exposure, in some cases general body irradiation is prescribed;

• internal(brachytherapy) - a radioactive substance is placed inside the formation or nearby tissue, neutralizing pathological cells. This method is effective for oncology of the female reproductive organs, mammary and prostate glands. Its advantages lie in the precise impact on education from the inside, while the negative consequences of treatment are practically absent.

The choice of method is made by the oncologist, based on the location of the tumor. He also develops an individual treatment regimen to obtain maximum results from radiation. In this case, the following types of treatment are available:

• in certain situations, radiation therapy completely replaces surgical procedures;

• adjuvant treatment - in this case, radiation is used after surgery. This regimen for breast cancer is not only effective, but also organ-saving;
• induction therapy (neoadjuvant) - the use of radiation before surgery. Facilitates and increases the efficiency of surgical intervention;
• Combination therapy – radiation is combined with chemotherapy. After this, surgery is performed. Combining the three methods allows you to achieve maximum efficiency and reduce the volume of surgical procedures.

Important! Sometimes combining chemotherapy and radiation is enough to cure and surgery is not required (cancer of the lung, uterus or cervix).

To avoid the negative consequences of radiotherapy as much as possible, it is carried out in a targeted manner, avoiding damage to healthy tissue. For this purpose, in the process of preparing for radiotherapy, various methods of visualizing the formation and surrounding space are used.

This causes a direct effect of radiation on the pathological focus, protecting healthy cells. The following methods are used for this:

• intensity modulated radiotherapy(RTMI) - modern technology promotes the use of radiation doses higher than with conventional irradiation;
• image-guided radiotherapy(RTVK) – effective when used on mobile organs, as well as on formations close to organs and tissues. When combined with IMRT, it delivers the radiation dose as accurately as possible not only to the pathological focus, but also to its individual areas;
• stereotactic radiosurgery– precise delivery of radiation doses through three-dimensional visualization. This gives clear coordinates of the formation, after which the rays target it. Known as the Gamma Knife method.

Radiation dose

The negative consequences of radiation directly depend on the dose of ionizing radiation entering the human body. Therefore, at the stage of preparation for therapy, accurate dose calculation is important. When determining an individual treatment plan, a variety of factors are assessed:

• size and type of education;
• precise placement;
• the patient’s condition based on the results of additional studies;
• presence of chronic diseases;
• previous irradiations.

Taking into account the indicators, medical specialists determine the total dose of radiation for the full course and for each session, their duration and number, breaks between them, etc. A properly calculated dose helps achieve maximum treatment effectiveness with minimal unwanted side effects.

Consequences of radiation in oncology

Tolerance to radiation therapy varies greatly among patients. Some patients experience side effects exclusively during the treatment period, while others develop side effects some time after it. It happens that negative phenomena are completely absent.

Typically, the severity of side effects depends on the duration of radiation and its dose. The location of the cancer, its stage, the patient’s condition, and individual tolerance to the procedure also have an impact.

The general effects of radiotherapy are presented in the following table.

The most common negative effect of radiation is hypersensitivity reactions on the skin, similar to a burn. They usually appear two weeks after the start of therapy and heal a month after the cessation of radiation exposure. There are three degrees of damage to the epidermis:

• first - slight redness;
• the second – redness, peeling, possible swelling;
• third – significant redness with weeping peeling, severe swelling.

Attention! When a radiation wound becomes infected, symptoms intensify, swelling and redness increase, an unpleasant odor appears from the affected area, and a high temperature is possible.

Respiratory effects occur with chest irradiation and usually occur within three months of therapy. Disturbances in the circulatory system occur when radiation is exposed to a large area of ​​the body.

A common side effect of radiation therapy is fatigue. General weakness persists for a long time and does not go away after sleep and rest. In some cases it is a consequence of anemia.

Long-term consequences of radiotherapy include:

• fibrosis (replacement of affected connective tissue);
• dry skin and mucous membranes (eyes, mouth);
• oncology (development of secondary formations);
• skin pigmentation;
• hair loss;
• death (with concomitant cardiovascular pathology);
• decreased cognitive function.

The occurrence of serious consequences is quite rare and is associated with prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation on the body or concomitant diseases. Usually the manifestations are moderate and disappear over time. The benefits of treatment significantly outweigh the risk of undesirable consequences.

Video - About radiation therapy

Video - Commentary on patient radiation therapy

Video - Radiation therapy: consequences and what helps with burns

During and after treatment, the body needs help to rehabilitate. The oncologist prescribes a set of drugs and measures to stabilize the patient’s condition and restore the body’s strength.

For minor skin reactions, hygiene and moisturizing the damaged area with cream is recommended. For severe lesions, hormonal ointment is used. Radiation wounds serve as “entry gates” for infection, so antiseptic treatment with a bandage should be carried out regularly. Clothing should be comfortable and loose, and avoid rubbing the affected areas.

Don't forget about a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to observe a daily routine, work and rest, perform feasible physical exercises, take walks in the fresh air, gradually increasing the distance.

Nutrition is of great importance; your doctor can recommend a list of foods you want to eat.

Important! During radiation therapy and during the recovery period, you cannot follow a diet!

The menu should be high in calories and high in protein. At the same time, fried, fatty, smoked foods, and alcohol are excluded. It is advisable to include foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and plant fiber in your diet. In case of nausea and vomiting, antiemetic drugs are prescribed, in some cases they are taken some time before the start of treatment. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluid, about three liters per day. This helps eliminate intoxication and restore the body.

To get rid of the effects of radiation, physiotherapy (electric and phonophoresis, magnetic therapy) is used; inhalations and special gymnastics are used for respiratory disorders. To improve the general condition and get rid of chronic fatigue, massage sessions are prescribed.

When a person is faced with a disease associated with neoplasms in the body, he asks the question “Radiation therapy - what is it and what are the consequences.”

Radiation therapy is a generally accepted and relatively effective method of combating one of the most insidious diseases of mankind - cancer. For many years, this type of fight against malignant tumors of various locations and degrees has been actively used in oncology. According to statistics, in more than half of cancer cases, radiation therapy, in combination with other treatment methods, gives a positive result and the patient is cured. This fact gives an undeniable advantage to the use of radiation therapy over other treatment methods.

History of the creation of radiation therapy

The discovery of X-rays has provided many opportunities in medicine. It has become possible to accurately diagnose various types of diseases by examining internal organs with X-rays. Having studied X-ray radiation, scientists came to the conclusion that a certain dose of it has a detrimental effect on harmful cells. This was a real breakthrough in medicine; there was a chance to cure all cancer patients. A lot of side effects were also identified after the radiation reaction, since healthy cells were also affected.

Many scientists were skeptical about radiation therapy. It got to the point where research was banned, and researchers working on the possibilities of X-rays were sharply criticized both by some eminent colleagues and by the public. But the steady increase in the number of cancer patients forced physicists, oncologists, and radiologists to return to research. Today, modern equipment makes it possible to carry out radiation therapy without harm to healthy cells, which gives many patients hope for healing. And in many cases this is the only chance to overcome the disease.

So, let’s figure out what “radiation therapy” is.

Radiation or radiotherapy (radiology) is one of the methods of treating cancer tumors using high-energy radiation. The purpose of this therapy is to eliminate cancer cells by directly destroying their DNA, thereby preventing them from reproducing.

The side effects of this type of radiation have decreased significantly compared to the first applications, which gives a good prognosis for healing. It became possible to change the direction and dose of radiation, thanks to which the effectiveness of therapy increased. If cancer is detected early, using radiation therapy alone offers a chance for a complete recovery.

Types and methods of radiation therapy

Cancer cells respond well to treatment with radiation therapy because they differ from healthy cells in that they multiply very quickly, which makes them sensitive to external influences. Their elimination is carried out by destroying the DNA of malignant cells. Radiation therapy is often combined with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery. The type of therapy, their combination, is selected depending on the size of the formation, location, stage, and concomitant diseases. For example, radiation therapy is often carried out before surgery.

The reason for this is the reduction in tumor size, as well as the failure of malignant cells to enter healthy areas of the body during surgery. In severe cases of disease, when a malignant tumor is actively metastasizing, radiation therapy is the only possible method of combating the disease, since other methods are no longer effective. This therapy is used after surgery if doctors assume that there are still malignant cells in the areas adjacent to the tumor site.

1. Alpha particles– affect the body with alpha radiation through isotopes, in particular radon and thoron products. The patient takes radon baths, drinks radon water, and bandages soaked in radon and thoron products are applied to the necessary areas of the skin. Ointments containing these substances are also used. Their use is advisable only for certain diseases of the nervous, circulatory, and endocrine systems. In case of cancer, this method is contraindicated;
2. Beta particles- beta particles and some radioactive isotopes are used, such as phosphorus, thallium, etc. There are interstitial, intracavitary and application beta therapy. For example, application therapy is used for inflammatory processes of the eyes that have become chronic. Interstitial therapy is used to treat radioresistant tumors. Radioactive solutions such as solutions of gold, yttrium, and silver are used. The fabric is impregnated with them and applied to the affected area. During intracavitary therapy, colloidal solutions of a certain type are administered. This type of beta therapy is mainly used for tumors of the peritoneum or pleura;
3. . An achievement of science is that it has become possible to regulate X-ray radiation, thereby influencing lesions of various types. The higher the radiation energy, the higher the penetrating power. Thus, for relatively shallow lesions or mucous membranes, short-focus radiotherapy is used. For deeper damage, the radiation energy increases;
4. . Another important achievement of modern medicine. Also called gamma knife. The essence of the technology is that ionizing radiation occurs in very high doses, mostly applied once. Radiosurgery or stereotactic surgery is also used to eliminate non-malignant tumors in hard-to-reach places. Its most important advantage is that there is no need for craniotomy and other surgical interventions, which significantly reduces the patient’s recovery time and possible complications;
5. External beam radiotherapy. The name itself gives an idea of ​​this method of therapy. The device is located outside the body. The beam is directed at the tumor, passing through the skin and tissue;
6. Contact therapy, when the radiation carrier is directly injected into the tumor tissue. The carriers can be intracavitary, intravascular, or interstitial. When fighting the disease, a contact type of therapy such as brachytherapy is often used. She has proven herself excellent in wrestling;
7. Radionuclide radiotherapy– radioactive particles in certain doses are contained in drugs, when taken, they can accumulate in the problem area of ​​​​a person. An example of this therapy is iodine in the thyroid gland.
8. Proton beams. A real breakthrough in medicine was the use of proton beams, which have proven to be a very effective method of treating cancer. Protons are accelerated in special accelerators. Having reached their destination, protons emit radioactive radiation, whose purpose is to destroy malignant cells. The effectiveness of the method lies in the fact that, thanks to targeted radiation, healthy cells are not affected, and harmful cells are destroyed to the maximum. The only drawback is the high cost of both the treatment itself and the equipment. Only 1% of patients in Russia have the opportunity to use this treatment method.

Each type of therapy is used for certain types of diseases and has its own individual characteristics. External beam radiotherapy, for example, is often used in the postoperative period for breast cancer to remove cancer cells remaining after surgery. This will prevent the recurrence of malignant cells. But if metastases already exist, then to reduce their size, a remote method is also used. Remote therapy is widely used for malignant tumors in the female genital organs, both in combination with surgery and as independent therapy.

Widely used for treatment. Capsules and needles, which contain a certain dose of isotopes, are placed into the tumor formation. Thus, the tumor tissue itself is destroyed, while nearby healthy tissue is not affected.

Stages of radiation therapy.

When treating any disease using radiation therapy, every stage of treatment is important. This is due to the complexity of the therapy itself and the patient’s condition before and after it. It is very important not to miss or underfulfill any of the specialists’ instructions. Let's look at these steps:

The first stage is the so-called pre-radiation period. Preparing the patient for the therapy itself plays a very important role in the fight against the disease. The patient is carefully examined for the presence of concomitant diseases, in the presence of which the patient is given therapeutic therapy. The skin is carefully studied, since its integrity and healthy condition are important for radiation therapy. After all this, a number of specialists, such as an oncologist, a radiotherapist, a physicist, and a dosimetrist, decide what dose of radiation will be used and exactly through which areas of tissue the therapy will be carried out.

The distance of the beam to the tumor is calculated with millimeter accuracy. For this, cutting-edge technology is used, which is capable of recreating a three-dimensional image of the affected organ. After all the preparatory procedures have been completed, specialists mark the areas on the body from where the effect on the tumor cells will be carried out. This is reproduced by marking these areas. The patient is advised how to behave and what to do to maintain these markers until the upcoming therapy.

Second phase and the most responsible – this is the direct ray period. The number of radiation therapy sessions depends on several factors. It can last from one month to two. And if radiation therapy is carried out to prepare the patient for surgery, then the period is reduced to 2-3 weeks. Usually the session is carried out for five days, after which the patient regains his strength for two days. The patient is placed in a specially equipped room where he lies or sits. A radiation source is placed on the marked area of ​​the body. To avoid damaging healthy tissue, the remaining areas are covered with protective blocks. After which the medical personnel, having instructed the patient, leave the room. Communication with them occurs through special equipment. The procedure is absolutely painless.

Third and the final stage – post-radiation period, rehabilitation period. The patient went through a difficult time fighting the disease, and when the main period, namely the radiation therapy process itself, has passed, the person feels severe physical and emotional fatigue and apathy. The patient's relatives and friends must create an emotionally comfortable environment for him. A person should have proper rest and nutrition, attend cultural events, theaters, museums, in short, lead a full, healthy life. This will help restore your strength. If radiation therapy was carried out using the remote method, it is necessary to care for the skin that was exposed to radiation, following the doctor's instructions.

After all stages of treatment, it is necessary to periodically visit specialists. The doctor must monitor the patient's condition to avoid complications. But if the condition worsens, it is necessary to visit your doctor unscheduled.

During radiation therapy, the doctor gives recommendations on what can and cannot be done during this very important period of treatment. Basically these rules are:

Nutrition plays a very important role in restoring the patient’s strength. A person's food must contain proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the required quantities. High-calorie foods are not prohibited, as a person loses a lot of energy and strength. Doctors recommend consuming more fluids. The reason for this is the presence in the body of toxins in large quantities, which arise during the breakdown of harmful cells.

It is undeniable to give up bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

Since the skin is mainly exposed to irradiation, it is necessary to carefully care for it, do not wear synthetics, and do not expose it to direct sunlight. If the patient detects any changes in the form of itching, dryness, redness, you should immediately consult your doctor and not self-medicate.

Adequate rest and walks in the fresh air are a must. This will strengthen not only the patient’s physical health, but also the psychological state.

Side effects of radiation therapy

Despite the undeniable advantages of radiotherapy, there are a number of side effects that affect your well-being:

Each patient's tolerance is individual. It all depends on the radiation dose, skin condition, age and other indicators. Despite the presence of side effects, radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many diseases. Side effects will disappear some time after the end of therapy, and the person will quickly recover. You just need to follow the doctors' recommendations.

Contraindications to radiation therapy

In some cases, radiation therapy should not be used. These are:

1. Intoxication of the body for one reason or another;
2. High temperature, the cause of which must be identified and, if possible, eliminated;
3. Cachexia – when cancer cells are so widespread that radiation therapy is no longer effective;
4. Diseases associated with radiation damage;
5. A number of serious diseases;
6. Severe form of anemia.

Various rumors about the harmfulness of radiation treatment for cancer, side effects, force some people to turn to traditional healers. But many diseases, especially cancer, where radiation therapy is the only option for cure, cannot be cured with folk remedies, but time can only be wasted. Therefore, you should not believe rumors and speculation, but get treatment only in specialized centers under the supervision of doctors.

When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the most modern techniques are used to combat it. One of them, radiation therapy, is widely used in oncology after surgical treatment and, although it has side effects, it helps to cope with the problem. Who is prescribed such procedures, what complications arise, are there any contraindications - this is discussed in detail in the review of the treatment of malignant tumors with radiation.

What is radiation therapy

The essence of the therapy method is to expose pathogenic cancer cells to ionizing radiation, to which they exhibit increased sensitivity. The peculiarity of radiation treatment – ​​radiotherapy – is that healthy cells do not undergo changes. The main tasks that radiation treatment solves for cancer:

• limiting tumor growth;
• damage to malignant cells;
• prevention of the development of metastases.

The technique for cancer is performed using a linear accelerator in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy, and is used to treat bone growths. During the procedure, the affected tissues are irradiated. With ionizing effects on cancer cells:

• their DNA changes;
• cell damage occurs;
• their destruction begins due to changes in metabolism;
• tissue replacement occurs.

Indications for use

Radiation in oncology is used as the impact of radiation on tumors with high radiosensitivity and rapid spread. Radiation exposure is prescribed when malignant neoplasms appear in various organs. The therapy is indicated for the treatment of cancer of the mammary glands, female genital organs, as well as:

• brain;
• stomach, rectum;
• prostate gland;
• language;
• skin;
• lungs;
• larynx;
• nasopharynx.

Radiotherapy in oncology has indications such as:

• an independent method of completely removing a tumor when surgery is not feasible;
• palliative radiation treatment of the tumor volume, when its complete removal is impossible;
• component of complex cancer therapy;
• a method of reducing pain, preventing the spread of a tumor;
• irradiation before surgery.

Kinds

In modern oncology, several types of radiation exposure are practiced. They differ in the source of radiation of radioactive isotopes and the way they influence the body. The installations used by clinics for cancer treatment use:

• alpha radiation;
• beta therapy;
• X-ray irradiation;
• gamma therapy;
• neutron exposure;
• proton therapy;
• pi-meson irradiation.

Radiation treatment of cancer involves two types of procedures – remote and contact. In the first case, the device is located at a distance from the patient, static or moving irradiation is performed. Contact radiation methods work differently:

• application - acts through special pads on the tumor area;
• internal - drugs are injected into the blood;
• interstitial – threads filled with isotopes are placed in the tumor area;
• intracavitary irradiation - the device is inserted inside the affected organ - the esophagus, uterus, nasopharynx.

Side effects

The use of radiotherapy methods in the treatment of cancer often causes unpleasant consequences. After sessions, patients, in addition to the therapeutic effect, experience systemic side effects. Patients note that:

• appetite decreases;
• swelling appears at the irradiation site;
• weakness occurs;
• mood changes;
• haunted by chronic fatigue;
• hair fall out;
• hearing decreases;
• vision deteriorates;
• weight decreases;
• sleep is disturbed;
• the composition of the blood changes.

When carrying out procedures in radiology, radiation beams have a local negative effect on the skin. In this case, side effects are observed:

• radiation ulcers form;
• the color of the skin changes;
• burns appear;
• sensitivity increases;
• skin damage develops in the form of blisters;
• peeling, itching, dryness, redness occurs;
• infection of the affected areas is possible.

Contraindications

Radiation for oncological diseases has limitations for its use. Doctors prescribing procedures after surgery should take this into account. Therapy sessions are contraindicated in the following cases:

• pregnancy;
• the patient's serious condition;
• presence of signs of intoxication;
• fever;
• radiation sickness;
• severe form of anemia;
• severe exhaustion of the body;
• malignant neoplasms with bleeding;
• severe concomitant diseases;
• a sharp decrease in leukocytes and platelets in the blood.

Carrying out radiation therapy

Before performing the procedure, the exact location and size of the tumor is determined. The number of sessions and radiation doses are selected individually depending on the size of the tumor, the type of cells, and the nature of the pathology. The treatment process is easily tolerated, but requires subsequent rest. After radiation exposure, side effects are possible. During therapy:

• the patient is in a supine position;
• special devices are used to protect adjacent tissues;
• the session lasts up to 45 minutes - depends on the method;
• the course ranges from 14 days to seven weeks.

Consequences

Doctors warn patients that the results of radiation can be unpredictable. It depends on the patient’s condition, the course of the disease, and the type of cancer. A complete cure and no results from radiation exposure are possible. The consequences of the procedures may take several months to appear. Depending on the location of the tumor, the following may develop:

• in the head area – feelings of heaviness, hair loss;
• on the face, neck - dry mouth, problems with swallowing, hoarseness;
• in the abdominal cavity - diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• on the mammary gland - muscle pain, cough.

After hysterectomy

When, as a result of the development of a cancerous tumor, the uterus is removed and radiation exposure is administered, first of all, this becomes a psychological trauma. A woman is afraid that changes will occur in relationships and problems with her sex life will arise. Doctors recommend starting sexual intercourse two months after therapy. Possible consequences of radiation treatment:

• digestive disorders;
• intoxication of the body;
• vomiting;
• pain in the stomach;
• itching, burning on the skin;
• dryness in the vagina, on the genitals.

Recovery after radiation therapy

To make the process of returning to normal life after procedures faster and to reduce the risk of side effects, doctors recommend following a number of rules. If you notice any new discomfort, you should consult a doctor. To speed up recovery, it is recommended:

• normalization of blood counts;
• treatment of burns;
• dietary nutrition;
• good sleep;
• moderate physical activity;
• walks in the open air;
• day rest;
• positive emotions;
• drinking water to remove toxic substances;
• quitting smoking and alcohol.

Treatment of burns

When radiation damage to the skin caused by the maximum dose of radiation occurs, burns similar to sunburn appear. They may occur immediately after the procedure or appear after some time. The treatment process can be long and difficult. When providing first aid, wipes with an antibacterial composition are used. For the treatment of skin burns it is recommended:

• strict diet;
• drinking plenty of water;
• use of Tenon ointment;
• applying Shostakovsky balm;
• dressings with sea buckthorn oil;
• compresses with juice of plantain leaves, aloe.

Diet food

After radiation treatment of a cancerous tumor, it is necessary to adhere to a strict diet. Alcohol, marinades, canned foods, and foods rich in cholesterol should be excluded from the diet. You cannot eat baked goods, sweets, strong tea, or pickles. When irradiating the oral cavity, food should be warm, liquid, and soft. After therapy it is recommended to use:

• whipped cream;
• eggs;
• nuts;
• meat broths;
• natural honey;
• lean fish;
• potato;
• greenery;
• porridge;
• cabbage;
• dairy products;
• fruits;
• carrot;
• peas;
• beets;
• beans.

What to do if you have a fever

When performing radiation treatments on cancerous tumors, an increase in temperature is possible. It may indicate the beginning of recovery - substances from destroyed cells enter the blood and act on the heat regulation center. Possible factors are infection of the body, dilation of blood vessels at the site of irradiation. Doctor only:

• determine the cause of the high temperature;
• prescribe drug therapy;
• will prescribe bed rest.

Radiation therapy: what it is and what the consequences are is a question that interests people facing cancer problems.

Radiation therapy in oncology has become a fairly effective means in the fight for human life and is widely used throughout the world. Medical centers providing such services are highly rated by specialists. Radiation therapy is carried out in Moscow and other Russian cities. Often this technology makes it possible to completely eliminate a malignant tumor, and in severe forms of the disease, prolong the patient’s life.

What is the essence of technology

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is the exposure of ionizing radiation to tissue damage in order to suppress the activity of pathogenic cells. Such exposure can be carried out using x-rays, neutrons, gamma radiation or beta radiation. A directed beam of elementary particles is provided by special medical-type accelerators.

Radiation therapy does not directly destroy the cellular structure, but changes the DNA to stop cell division. The effect is aimed at breaking molecular bonds as a result of ionization and radiolysis of water. Malignant cells are distinguished by their ability to rapidly divide and are extremely active. As a result, it is these cells, as the most active ones, that are exposed to ionizing radiation, and normal cellular structures do not change.

Strengthening the impact is also achieved by using different directions of radiation, which makes it possible to create maximum doses in the affected area. This treatment is most widespread in the field of oncology, where it can act as an independent method or complement surgical and chemotherapy methods. For example, radiation therapy of the blood for various types of blood lesions, radiation therapy for breast cancer or radiation therapy to the head show very good results at the initial stage of the pathology and effectively destroy cell remnants after surgery at later stages. A particularly important area of ​​radiotherapy is the prevention of metastasis of cancer tumors.

This type of treatment is often used to combat other types of pathologies not related to oncology. Thus, radiotherapy shows high effectiveness in eliminating bone growths on the legs. X-ray therapy is widely used. In particular, such irradiation helps in the treatment of hypertrophied sweating.

Features of treatment

The main source of directed particle flow for performing medical tasks is a linear accelerator - radiation therapy is carried out with the appropriate equipment. The treatment technology involves immobilizing the patient in a supine position and smoothly moving the beam source along the marked lesion. This technique allows you to direct the flow of elementary particles at different angles and with different radiation doses, while all movements of the source are controlled by a computer according to a given program.

The radiation regimen, treatment regimen and course duration depend on the type, location and stage of the malignant neoplasm. As a rule, the course of treatment lasts 2-4 weeks with the procedure performed 3-5 days a week. The duration of the irradiation session itself is 12-25 minutes. In some cases, a one-time treatment is prescribed to relieve pain or other manifestations of advanced cancer.

Depending on the method of delivering the beam to the affected tissue, a distinction is made between superficial (remote) and interstitial (contact) effects. Remote irradiation involves placing beam sources on the surface of the body. In this case, the flow of particles is forced to pass through a layer of healthy cells and only after that focus on malignant formations. With this in mind, there are various side effects when using this method, but despite this, it is the most common.

The contact method is based on the introduction of a source into the body, specifically into the affected area. This option uses devices in the form of a needle, wire, or capsule. They can be inserted only for the duration of the procedure or implanted for a long time. With the contact method of exposure, a beam is directed strictly at the tumor, which reduces the effect on healthy cells. However, in terms of the degree of trauma, it is superior to the surface method, and also requires special equipment.

What types of rays can be used

Depending on the task assigned to radiation therapy, various types of ionizing radiation can be used:

1. Alpha radiation. In addition to the stream of alpha particles produced in a linear accelerator, various techniques are used based on the introduction of isotopes, which can be quite simply and quickly removed from the body. The most widely used are radon and thoron products, which have a short life span. Among the various techniques, the following stand out: radon baths, drinking water with radon isotopes, microenemas, inhaling aerosols saturated with isotopes, using bandages with radioactive impregnation. Thorium-based ointments and solutions are used. These treatment methods are used in the treatment of cardiovascular, neurogenic and endocrine pathologies. Contraindicated for tuberculosis and pregnant women.

2. Beta radiation. To obtain a directed flow of beta particles, appropriate isotopes are used, for example, isotopes of yttrium, phosphorus, and thallium. Beta radiation sources are effective with the contact method of exposure (intrastitial or intracavitary version), as well as with the application of radioactive applications. Thus, applicators can be used for capillary angiomas and a number of eye diseases. For contact effects on malignant formations, colloidal solutions based on radioactive isotopes of silver, gold and yttrium are used, as well as rods up to 5 mm long made from these isotopes. This method is most widely used in the treatment of oncology in the abdominal cavity and pleura.

3. Gamma radiation. This type of radiation therapy can be based on both the contact method and the remote method. In addition, a variant of intense radiation is used: the so-called gamma knife. The source of gamma particles is the cobalt isotope.

4. X-ray radiation. To carry out therapeutic effects, X-ray sources with a power of 12 to 220 keV are intended. Accordingly, with increasing emitter power, the depth of penetration of rays into tissues increases. X-ray sources with energies of 12-55 keV are aimed at working from short distances (up to 8 cm), and treatment covers the superficial skin and mucous layers. Long-distance therapy (distance up to 65 cm) is carried out by increasing the power to 150 -220 keV. Remote exposure of medium power is intended, as a rule, for pathologies not related to oncology.

5. Neutron radiation. The method is carried out using special neutron sources. A feature of such radiation is the ability to combine with atomic nuclei and the subsequent emission of quanta that have a biological effect. Neutron therapy can also be used in the form of remote and contact effects. This technology is considered the most promising in the treatment of extensive tumors of the head, neck, salivary glands, sarcoma, and tumors with active metastasis.

6. Proton radiation. This option is based on the remote influence of protons with energies up to 800 MeV (for which synchrophasotrons are used). The proton flux has a unique dose gradation based on penetration depth. This therapy makes it possible to treat very small lesions, which is important in ophthalmic oncology and neurosurgery.

7. Pi-meson technology. This method is the latest achievement in medicine. It is based on the radiation of negatively charged pi-mesons produced on unique equipment. This method has so far been mastered only in a few of the most developed countries.

What are the dangers of radiation exposure?

Radiation therapy, especially its remote form, leads to a number of side effects, which, given the danger of the underlying disease, are perceived as an inevitable but minor evil. The following characteristic effects of radiation therapy for cancer are highlighted:

1. When working with the head and neck area: it causes a feeling of heaviness in the head, hair loss, and hearing problems.
2. Procedures for the face and neck area: dry mouth, discomfort in the throat, pain when swallowing, loss of appetite, hoarseness in the voice.
3. Measures on the organs of the thoracic region: dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain and pain symptoms during swallowing movements.
4. Treatment in the breast area: swelling and pain in the gland, skin irritations, muscle pain, cough, throat problems.
5. Procedures on organs related to the abdominal cavity: weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdominal area, loss of appetite.
6. Treatment of the pelvic organs: diarrhea, difficulty urinating, vaginal dryness, vaginal discharge, pain in the rectum, loss of appetite.

What to consider during treatment

As a rule, during radiation exposure, skin disorders are observed in the area of ​​contact with the emitter: dryness, peeling, redness, itching, rash in the form of small papules. To eliminate this phenomenon, external agents are recommended, for example, Panthenol aerosol. Many body reactions become less pronounced when nutrition is optimized. It is recommended to exclude hot seasonings, pickles, sour and rough foods from the diet. Emphasis should be placed on steamed foods, boiled foods, and chopped or pureed ingredients.

The diet should be frequent and fractional (small doses). It is necessary to increase fluid intake. To reduce the manifestations of problems in the throat, you can use a decoction of chamomile, calendula, and mint; instill sea buckthorn oil into the nasal sinuses, consume vegetable oil on an empty stomach (1-2 tablespoons).

During the course of radiation therapy, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing, which will eliminate mechanical impact on the area where the radiation source is installed and rubbing of the skin. It is best to choose underwear from natural fabrics - linen or cotton. You should not use a Russian bath or sauna, and when swimming, the water should be at a comfortable temperature. You should also take care from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

What does radiation therapy do?

Of course, radiation therapy cannot guarantee a cure for cancer. However, timely application of its methods allows one to obtain significant positive results. Considering that radiation leads to a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood, people often wonder whether it is possible to get foci of secondary tumors after radiation therapy. Such phenomena are extremely rare. The real risk of secondary cancer occurs 18-22 years after irradiation. In general, radiation therapy can relieve a cancer patient from very severe pain in advanced stages; reduce the risk of metastasis; destroy residual abnormal cells after surgery; really overcome the disease in its early stages.

Radiation therapy is considered one of the most important ways to fight cancer. Modern technologies are widely used throughout the world, and the world's best clinics offer such services.