Radiotherapy Treatments in Lung Cancer

Radiotherapy is one of several lung cancer treatment options available today. It can be used alone or with other treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy and drug therapy to help treat lung cancer patients, according to the American Cancer Society. Radiotherapy is typically used to treat stage 2 and stage 3 lung cancer, and the success of radiation is dependent on a patient's diagnosis and prognosis.

How It Works

• Radiotherapy involves high-powered X-rays that are used to kill cancer cells.

External Beam

• With the external beam method of radiation, X-ray beams are delivered externally and aimed directly at a tumor.

Brachytherapy

• Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy in which radioactive materials are placed into a tumor or near it using needles or catheters.

Desired Effects

• In addition to killing cancer cells, radiation can shrink a tumor and help ease lung cancer symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Side Effects

• Side effects of radiation in lung cancer patients include nausea and vomiting, fatigue and skin problems.