What is External Beam Radiation Therapy? | SERO

Summary

External beam radiation therapy is a cancer treatment using a machine to deliver targeted radiation to tumors with minimal impact on the rest of the body. Patients are positioned on a treatment table in a cool room, and the non-contact treatment lasts seconds to minutes daily. It damages cancer cells' nucleus and structures, leading to cell death. Markers on the body ensure consistent positioning for each session. Treatment occurs at a medical center or outpatient facility, typically once daily on weekdays for several weeks, followed by a follow-up appointment.

Takeaways

• 💉 External beam radiation therapy is recommended for cancer patients to target tumors with radiation.
• 🛏️ Patients lie on a treatment table in a cool room, where they are positioned for therapy.
• ⏱️ Treatment sessions are brief, lasting just seconds to minutes each day.
• 🔊 The machine makes sounds and moves around the patient but does not physically touch them.
• ⚡ X-rays are used to ionize atoms in cancer cells, damaging their structure and leading to cell death.
• 🎨 Colored ink is applied to the patient’s body to ensure accurate positioning for each session.
• 📅 The frequency of treatments depends on several factors, with sessions typically occurring once a day, Monday through Friday, for several weeks.
• 🏥 Treatments are conducted either at a Regional Medical Center or an outpatient facility.
• 📊 Follow-up visits and imaging will document tumor response and treatment effectiveness.
• ❓ Patients should contact their doctor for any concerns or questions about the therapy.

Q & A

What is external beam radiation therapy?

External beam radiation therapy is a type of radiation treatment that uses a machine to deliver targeted beams of radiation directly to a tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues.

How does external beam radiation therapy work to treat cancer?

The radiation transfers energy to the cancer cells, ionizing or altering the charge of their atoms. This damages the nucleus and other important cellular structures, leading to cell death.

What happens during a typical external beam radiation therapy session?

Patients lie down on a treatment table, usually in a slightly cool room. Once properly positioned, the machine will move around them without touching them, delivering radiation for a few seconds to minutes.

What is the purpose of using colored ink on the patient’s body?

Colored ink is used to mark the patient's body to ensure they are positioned exactly the same way during each treatment session.

How often is external beam radiation therapy typically administered?

Treatment is generally administered once a day, Monday through Friday, for several weeks. The exact frequency and duration depend on various factors.

What factors determine the treatment plan for a patient undergoing external beam radiation therapy?

Factors include the type and location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and the stage of cancer. The goal is to maximize the chances of eradicating the tumor.

What kind of follow-up care can a patient expect after radiation therapy?

Patients will have follow-up appointments to document tumor response and address any treatment-related side effects or irritations.

Will the radiation machine touch the patient during treatment?

No, the machine will move around the patient but will not make physical contact with them during the treatment.

Where is external beam radiation therapy usually performed?

The treatment is typically done at a Regional Medical Center or an outpatient facility.

What should a patient do if they have concerns or questions about their radiation therapy?

Patients should contact their doctor for any questions or concerns regarding their external beam radiation therapy.