How Is Radiation Used in the Treatment of Cancer?

In the treatment of cancer, radiation is usually used alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy. However, it brings numerous benefits. Technically, the radiation associated with cancer treatment is called ionizing radiation; this works by creating ions in the cells of tissues it comes into contact with. It shoves electrons off atoms, killing cells in the process. The goal is to kill cancer cells, though healthy cells are often killed in the process as well.

Common Types of Radiation Treatment

• Many different kinds of radiation treatment are used in battling cancer. One type uses protons, because they are particles that don't cause a lot of damage to tissue but are good at killing cancer cells. The idea is that this kind of treatment allows an area to be radiated more vigorously and for a greater length of time. Another type uses electrons. A beam of electrons is created by a linear accelerator and placed near the body. This type is best used for treatment of tumors close to the surface of the body. The third major type relies on high-energy photons. These photons are taken from things such as cesium or cobalt, which are highly radioactive. Lastly, neutrons are used in the treatment of some types of cancers, although they can cause very serious side effects. Neutrons have shown to be effective in treating cancers of the head and prostate.

The External Beam Radiation Method

• Getting the radiation into the body is not quite so straightforward as it seems. The most common method is called external beam radiation. A machine called a linear accelerator is used to focus particles at the area that contains cancer. Treatment lasts several weeks and is often given every day. The problem is that radiation affects normal tissue as well, not just cancerous tissue. So, you might experience side effects that are rather unpleasant during and following treatment. Parts of your body not involved in treatment will likely be blocked off by shields of some sort so they don't receive radiation.

Radioactive Drugs

• Radioactive drugs--or radiopharmaceuticals, as they're often called--are also given in the treatment of cancer orally, intravenously or directly into the affected body cavity. Specific drugs are used to treat specific cancers in these cases. For instance, strontium-89 and samarium-153 are used for treating bone cancers, and iodine is sometimes used to treat thyroid cancer. Likewise, phosphorus-32 can be employed in the treatment of brain cancer.

Internal Radiation Therapy

• Another type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, which also goes by the name brachytherapy. It involves placing radioactive materials in or very close to the tumor within your body. This way, much higher doses of radiation can be given because it will only affect a small area.

Why Radiation is Used

• Radiation has become a mainstay in the treatment of many types of cancers because it has shown to be effective in shrinking tumors, and in some cases curing the cancer altogether. It's also used to prevent a tumor from growing back after being removed. Likewise, it can be used to prevent cancer from growing in a particular area, even if the tumor has not metastasized yet. In late-stage cancers, radiation can be used to ease the symptoms of cancer and make life more comfortable.