WHAT IS RADIOTHERAPY?

Radiotherapy, like surgery and chemotherapy, is one of the most important components of the western approach to cancer treatment. Irradiation is popular because it does not require any cutting or incision and therefore has no immediate mechanical effects on the function of organs. It does, however, damage the living cells. It causes mutation that is also a cause for the development of cancer. Radiotherapy has a stronger damaging effect on cancer cells than it has on normal cells, particularly if its administration has been calibrated at a favorable energy level. It is therefore regarded as an effective anti-cancer treatment and is in wide use among practitioners of western medicine.

The destructive effects of radiotherapy on malignant cells can be divided into direct and indirect reactions. Radiotherapy’s direct reaction is achieved when the radiation is applied directly to the genetic material of the cancer cells. The indirect reaction is achieved when the radiation is applied to water in the patient’s body. Absorption of the water by the cancer cells destroys them and prevents them from further division.

In terms of treatment, radical irradiation is the process by which cancer is treated by irradiation alone. Palliative radiation aims at relieving pain, minimizing symptoms, and prolonging the patient’s life. As is the case with surgery, the decision to use radiotherapy is based on the location, nature and extent of spread of the disease.

Radiotherapy is generally applied in combination with surgery and chemotherapy; its use as the sole agent for treatment is rather rare. The object of its combination with other modalities is to supplement the effects of the other therapies. The following are options in the administration of radiotherapy that depend on the course of treatment and location of the malignancy:

1. irradiation of the external body

2. irradiation through a device inserted into a body cavity