Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment, alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. It precisely destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, thus enhancing patients' quality of life.
Doctor Nguyen Huy Loc, a first-degree specialist in the Radiation Therapy Department at the Oncology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, states that achieving optimal and safe treatment outcomes requires a comprehensive radiation therapy process, involving the following steps.
Initial consultation and indication
During the initial consultation, doctors gather the patient's medical history and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, focusing on suspicious areas to assess overall health. A histopathological diagnosis (biopsy) confirms the cancer type, while imaging studies determine the disease stage. Patients also undergo blood tests, and liver and kidney function assessments to ensure they are physically fit for treatment. This crucial first step ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment indication, which are vital for effective outcomes.
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Doctors and nurses observe a patient in the radiation therapy room via a computer system. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.
Radiation therapy simulation
Following the decision for radiation therapy, patients undergo a simulation CT scan, sometimes combined with MRI or PET/CT, to precisely identify the tumor's location, size, and proximity to surrounding organs. For head and neck radiation, a custom-fitted immobilization mask is created to ensure consistent positioning during each session, preventing any beam misalignment. Technicians also apply small, long-lasting ink marks on the patient's skin as reference points for accurate positioning throughout the entire radiation therapy process.
Radiation therapy planning
Radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and technicians collaborate, reviewing simulation images to determine the optimal radiation technique and target. They meticulously calculate the beam direction, dosage, and intensity to maximize tumor treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Medical physicists then rigorously test the treatment plan on a linear accelerator to ensure both accuracy and patient safety.
Radiation therapy procedure
According to Doctor Loc, the duration of radiation therapy varies based on treatment goals, ranging from a few days to several weeks or longer. Each session typically lasts about 20-40 minutes. Throughout the treatment, patients receive close monitoring, allowing for immediate adjustments if any issues arise.
Post-radiation therapy monitoring
This crucial step assesses treatment effectiveness and detects potential side effects or early cancer recurrence. If needed, doctors may recommend combining radiation therapy with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, to enhance overall efficacy.
Post-radiation therapy monitoring commences immediately after the treatment course concludes and continues periodically for many months or years. Even after curative cancer treatment, patients require regular follow-up appointments to detect any potential cancer recurrence.
By Nhat Minh
