放射治疗

What is radiation therapy?

放射治疗(also called radiotherapy) uses targeted energy, includingX射线and radioactive substances, to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors and/or alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms. Doctors use high-energy X-rays and other forms of radiation therapy to damage the DNA in cancer cells, killing them or depriving them of their ability to grow or divide.

它可以使用：

• As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells
• In combination with other treatments to stop the growth of cancer cells
• Before another treatment to shrink a tumor
• 在另一种治疗后停止任何剩余癌细胞的生长
• 缓解晚期癌症的症状

放射治疗does not kill cancer cells immediately. Over several days and weeks, and during the course of treatment, the DNA in cancer cells may become damaged enough that they die or are no longer able to reproduce.

放射治疗is one of the most common types of cancer treatments. At least half of all patients receive radiation therapy to treat their cancer. Radiation therapy may be used to treat both benign and malignant tumors.

在美国癌症治疗中心^®(CTCA), our radiation oncologists are experienced in using advanced technologies to deliver targeted radiation therapy while also proactively管理副作用。从治疗计划到后续行动，我们综合癌症中心provide personalized patient care and state-of-the-art radiation oncology services to help you fight cancer and manage its symptoms.

Types of radiation

Some radiation therapy delivery methods include:

• 外束辐射疗法: Radiation is directed from a machine outside the body onto cancerous cells within the body. Examples include 3D conformal radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT),TomoTherapy^®，质子治疗，立体定向放射外科。
• 内部放射治疗（近距离放射治疗）: Radioactive material is placed (via a catheter or other carrier) directly into or near a tumor. Examples include high-dose rate brachytherapy.
• Systemic radiation therapy: A radioactive substance (that is swallowed or injected) travels through the blood to locate and destroy cancerous cells. Examples includeradioactive iodine therapy。

管理辐射副作用

Typical radiation therapy can be damaging to the body and cause unpleasant side effects, such as skin changes,疲劳，，，，恶心以及其他问题，具体取决于您的身体部位。在放射治疗期间，来自各种支持护理服务的放射治疗师和临床医生将与您一起降低副作用并改善生活质量。

人体的某些部位可能比其他部位对放射治疗更敏感。辐射疗法具有剂量限制。如果以前对身体的一部分已经接受了放射疗法的治疗，则放射治疗可能不再是该区域的治疗选择。如果您在接受放射疗法之前，请与您的医生交谈，以讨论接受治疗区域的剂量限制。

Experienced care team

Our radiation oncology team specializes in delivering high radiation doses to tumors with less damage to normal tissues and organs. Our radiation oncologists will work closely with you and the rest of your cancer care team to deliver radiation therapy based on your individual needs.

个性化的治疗方法

放射治疗是我们许多癌症患者治疗的重要组成部分。由于每种癌症类型都需要不同的方法，因此treatment optionswill depend on your unique needs and treatment goals.

我们的放射肿瘤学家使用先进的成像技术hniques before and during radiation treatment so we can closely track the tumor. We use highly targeted radiation technologies to deliver high radiation doses to tumors, with techniques designed to have less impact on healthy tissues and organs.

Depending on your individual needs, you may receive radiation therapy alone or in combination with other treatment modalities like手术，，，，化学疗法，，，，hormone therapy和/或immunotherapy。Throughout your treatment, your radiation oncologist will monitor the progress of your radiation therapy regimen and modify your treatment plan as needed.

如何准备放射治疗

Each patient’s experience with radiation therapy differs depending on the type of technology used, the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Before your course of treatment begins, your doctor will explain the type of radiation equipment to be used and discuss your treatment schedule and length of treatment. You’ll also undergo an examination.

您的医生可能会在肿瘤附近的皮肤或基准标记上贴上痕迹，以便他或她快速找到目标治疗区域。您可能还配备了旨在在治疗过程中固定身体部分的设备。这些步骤旨在帮助医生更好地将辐射更直接地关注肿瘤，并避免暴露周围的健康组织。

在大多数情况下，放射治疗是在几天或几周内进行门诊手术的。一些患者每天可能每天接受治疗。其他人可能会安排在数周内。

放射治疗is typically a relatively quick and painless treatment, and many patients are able to resume their normal activities before and after treatment. Over time, patients may need to adjust while experiencing common side effects, such as fatigue or irritation to the skin.

癌症治疗are often stressful, upset your normal routines and take a physical toll. It’s important to take steps to help stay physically strong during the course of treatment, including by:

• 休息很多
• Staying hydrated
• 吃的好
• Staying vigilant about side effects or physical changes

在CTCA^®，我们的支持护理提供者将与您一起帮助解决，并在可能的情况下防止副作用，以便您能够在癌症护理期间和之后保持自己的力量，耐力和生活质量。

辐射疗法可以在外部或内部进行。患者接受的放射疗法的类型可能取决于多种因素，例如癌症的类型以及要治疗的肿瘤的大小和位置。