What is Radiation Therapy?
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for brain tumors. Whether used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation therapy plays a vital role in shrinking tumors, slowing their growth, and improving patients’ quality of life. At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, we understand that patients and families often have many questions when radiation therapy is recommended. This blog will walk you through what radiation therapy is, how it works, the types available, what to expect during treatment, and the potential side effects. We’ll also explore how radiation therapy is advancing and what patients can expect for the future of care.
Radiation Therapy Defined
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, protons, or other forms of radiation, to target and destroy tumor cells. Unlike surgery, which physically removes tumors, radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, making it difficult for them to grow and divide. Over time, the tumor shrinks or its growth slows significantly.
Radiation therapy is especially important in brain tumor treatment because certain tumors may be in areas too risky for surgical removal. Radiation allows doctors to treat tumors with precision while sparing as much healthy brain tissue as possible.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation works by delivering controlled doses of energy directly to tumor cells. Cancer cells are more vulnerable to radiation than healthy cells because they divide more rapidly and often have impaired repair mechanisms. Healthy brain tissue surrounding the tumor is more resilient, and advanced techniques allow doctors to minimize exposure to non-cancerous areas.
Radiation does not usually work instantly. Over a series of treatment sessions, the cumulative effect of radiation damages the tumor cells beyond repair. Healthy cells, on the other hand, can often recover between treatments, which is why radiation is typically delivered in small daily doses rather than one large session.
Types of Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors
Patients may receive one of several types of radiation therapy, depending on their diagnosis, tumor size, and location.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): The most common form, where a machine outside the body directs radiation beams to the tumor. Treatments are painless and completed in a few minutes.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): An advanced form of EBRT that delivers precise doses of radiation in varying intensities, shaping the beams to the tumor’s contours.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A highly precise technique delivering a high dose of radiation in one or a few sessions. Despite its name, it’s non-surgical and is often used for small, hard-to-reach brain tumors.
- Proton Therapy: Uses protons instead of X-rays, offering more precision and sparing healthy tissue. This is especially useful for pediatric patients or tumors located near critical brain structures.
- Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT): Sometimes used when multiple brain metastases are present, delivering radiation to the entire brain. Though less targeted, it can be an important tool for controlling widespread cancer.
What to Expect During Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning patients go home the same day. Here’s what the process involves:
- Consultation and Planning:A radiation oncologist will review your diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan.
- Simulation: Using imaging scans (CT, MRI), the care team maps out the tumor’s exact size and location. A custom mask or head frame may be made to help keep the patient still during treatment.
- Treatment Sessions: Patients usually undergo daily treatments, five days a week, over several weeks. Each session may last 15-30 minutes, though the actual radiation delivery only takes a few minutes.
- Follow-Up: After treatment ends, regular scans and check-ups help monitor progress and manage any side effects.
Potential Side Effects
While radiation therapy is effective, it can cause side effects. These vary depending on the tumor’s location, the type of radiation used, and the patient’s overall health.
- Fatigue
- Hair loss in treated areas
- Skin irritation on the scalp
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Cognitive or memory changes (long-term)
Most side effects improve after treatment, but long-term monitoring ensures patients get the support they need.
Advances in Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy has evolved tremendously over the past few decades. New approaches are making treatments safer and more effective:
- Adaptive Radiation Therapy:Adjusts the treatment plan in real time as the tumor or patient anatomy changes.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Uses advanced imaging to confirm the tumor’s position before each session, improving accuracy.
- Proton Therapy Expansion:As access grows, more patients may benefit from its precision.
- Combined Modalities:Radiation is increasingly being used alongside immunotherapy or targeted drug therapy for synergistic effects.
Radiation Therapy Support for Patients
Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of brain tumor treatment, offering precision and effectiveness when surgery or other treatments may not be enough. At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, patients receive more than just medical treatment. Our team provides emotional support, nutrition guidance, and survivorship resources to help manage the holistic impact of radiation therapy. Our specialists are dedicated to providing personalized care that maximizes results and minimizes side effects.
If you or a loved one is considering radiation therapy, know that you are not alone on this journey. Want to learn more about brain tumor care? Explore related articles on our blog: