n WHAT IS RADIATION THERAPY? Radiation therapy (sometimes called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA (genetic makeup) of cancer cells. Cancer cells are then unable to repair themselves and subsequently die. Radiation therapy can be used to treat many different types of cancer. About 40%–60% of all patients with cancer will receive radiation therapy during the course of their illness. It is used for treating solid tumors (including tumors of the brain, spinal cord, bone, and liver) as well as for cancers of the blood and lymph systems, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. In certain cases, it also is used in preparation for bone marrow transplant. Radiation therapy may be used to cure cancer or as a palliative therapy when the goals of treatment are to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and shortness of breath.
n WILL MY CHILD BEGIN RADIATION THE FIRST DAY WE SEE THE RADIATION ONCOLOGIST? A series of steps has to be completed before starting the radiation treatment. Step One: Consultation A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in taking care of patients who need radiation therapy. During the initial consultation, you also may meet other members of the radiation oncology team. The radiation oncologist will examine your child and review his or her medical history, including X rays, lab tests, and pathology reports. The radiation oncology team will consult with your child’s other medical specialists (such as oncologists or surgeons) about the best plan for treating your child. During this visit, you will discuss the plan for treatment, including how long therapy will last and any potential side effects your child may experience. The amount of radiation needed and the duration of treatment will be determined by the radiation oncologist and reviewed with you. For many types of cancer, the radiation dose is based on previous research. If your child is participating in a clinical trial, the dose will be based on the recommendations of the protocol. The frequency of treatments can range from 1 day to several weeks. After you and your child have had an opportunity to ask questions, a plan for treatment will be developed. In most instances, you will be asked to give written permission for your child to begin treatment. Step Two: Simulation Radiation therapy requires a planning session before treatment can begin. The initial planning session is called a CT simulation or simulation . The simulation usually is performed in the radiation oncology department using computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the area to be treated. During the scan, special immobilization equipment may be used to help your child
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