Radiation therapy consequences and complications. Rules for examination and treatment

Radiation therapy I am a method of treatment using ionizing radiation. Radiation therapy is used for malignant tumors, as well as some benign tumors and non-malignant diseases.

The body's response to radiation therapy varies from person to person. However, in any case, the process of radiation therapy represents a significant physical load on the body. Therefore, during treatment you should follow some rules:

To eat well. Try to eat a balanced diet. Along with food, you need to take up to 3 liters of liquid per day (fruit juices, still mineral water, tea with lemon).
Give up bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol), at least for the period of treatment.
Do not wear clothing that is tight to the areas of your body being irradiated. Items made from synthetic fabrics and wool are extremely undesirable. Loose cotton clothing is preferred.
Carefully monitor the condition of your skin. Irradiated skin sometimes appears tanned or darkened. Towards the end of treatment, in some cases, the irradiated areas of the body may become overly moisturized. This largely depends on your individual sensitivity to radiation. You must inform your doctor or nurse about any changes you notice. They will give appropriate recommendations.
Do not use soap, lotions, deodorants, ointments, cosmetics, perfumes, talc or other similar products on the exposed area of your body without consulting your doctor.
Do not rub or scratch the area of skin being treated. Do not place warm or cold objects (heating pad, ice) on it.
When going outside, protect the exposed part of the skin from the sun (light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat). Get outdoors more often.

EMOTIONAL CONDITION

Radiation therapy, like any type of treatment, can be accompanied by both local (in the area of exposure of tissue to radiation) and general side effects. Side effects of radiotherapy most often occur in tissues and organs directly exposed to radiation. Most side effects that develop during treatment (radiation reactions) are relatively mild and can be treated with medication or proper nutrition. They usually disappear within 2-3 weeks after the end of radiation therapy. Many patients experience no side effects at all.

FATIGUE

Feelings of fatigue usually begin 2–3 weeks after starting treatment. It is associated with significant physical load on the body during radiation therapy and stress. Therefore, during the period of radiation therapy, you should slightly reduce your overall activity, especially if you are used to working at a strenuous pace. However, do not completely avoid housework; take part in family life.

BLOOD CHANGES

During radiation therapy, the number of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells may decrease. The doctor monitors hematopoietic function using blood tests. Sometimes, with pronounced changes, a break in treatment is taken for one week. In rare cases, medications are prescribed.

WORSE APPETITE

Radiation therapy usually does not cause nausea or vomiting. However, there may be a decrease in appetite. You must understand that in order to repair damaged tissues, you must eat enough food.

Some nutritional tips during radiation therapy:

	Eat a variety of foods often, but in small portions. Eat when you want, regardless of your daily routine.
	Increase the caloric content of food - add more butter if you like its smell and taste.



	Always have a small supply of foods you like (approved for storage in the clinic where treatment is carried out) and eat them when you feel like eating something.
	While eating, try to create conditions that improve your mood (turn on the TV, radio, or listen to your favorite music while eating).
	If you have any medical conditions that require you to follow a specific diet, talk to your doctor about ways to vary your diet.

SIDE EFFECTS ON THE ORAL AND THROAT

If you are irradiated to the maxillofacial area or neck, in some cases the mucous membrane of the gums, mouth and throat may become red and inflamed, dry mouth may appear, and a decrease in taste sensations may occur. You can alleviate your condition if you follow the recommendations below:

Avoid smoking and alcohol during treatment as they also cause irritation and dryness of the oral mucosa.
Rinse your mouth at least 6 times a day (after sleep, after each meal, at night). The solution used (chamomile, calendula, oak bark) should be at room temperature. Ask your doctor about which solutions are best for rinsing your mouth.
Twice a day, gently, without pressing hard, brush your teeth with a soft brush or cotton swab (after use, rinse the brush thoroughly and store dry).
Consult your dentist for the right toothpaste. It should not be harsh and irritate the mucous membranes.
If you use dentures, remove them before your radiation therapy session. If dentures rub your gums, it is better to temporarily stop using them.
Do not eat sour, spicy foods that irritate the oral mucosa.
Try to eat soft foods (baby food, purees, cereals, puddings, jellies, etc.). Soak hard and dry foods in water.
Avoid heavy lifting (no more than 6–7 kg), vigorous movements requiring excessive effort (pushing, pulling), or carrying a bag over your shoulder on the side of the irradiated breast.
Do not allow blood pressure to be taken or injections (blood drawn) into the arm on the side being treated.
Do not wear tight-fitting jewelry or clothing on this arm.
If you accidentally damage the skin of your hand, treat the wound with alcohol (but not alcohol tincture of iodine!) and cover the wound with a bactericidal plaster or apply a bandage.
Protect your hand from direct sunlight.

Maintain your optimal weight through a balanced, low-salt, high-fiber diet.

SIDE EFFECTS ON THE BREAST

When receiving radiation therapy for a breast tumor, the most common side effect is skin changes.

During radiation therapy, pain and swelling may occur in the breast area, which will disappear or gradually decrease after completion of treatment. The irradiated mammary gland can sometimes become larger (due to fluid accumulation) or smaller (due to tissue fibrosis).

SIDE EFFECTS ON THE CHEST ORGANS

During radiation therapy, you may have difficulty swallowing due to radiation inflammation of the esophageal mucosa. You can make eating easier by eating small, frequent meals, thinning thick foods, and cutting solid foods into small pieces. Before eating, you can swallow a small piece of butter or a spoonful of vegetable oil to make swallowing easier.

SIDE EFFECTS ON THE RECTUM

Occurs during radiation therapy, for cancer of the rectum or other pelvic organs. With radiation damage to the intestinal mucosa, pain and bleeding may appear, especially with difficult stool. If you notice these symptoms, tell your doctor. In order to prevent or reduce the severity of these phenomena, it is necessary to prevent constipation from the first days of treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS ON THE BLADDER

Radiation therapy sometimes causes inflammation of the lining of the bladder. This can lead to frequent painful urination and increased body temperature. Occasionally the urine turns red. If you notice these symptoms, tell your doctor. These complications require special drug treatment.

HOW TO BEHAVIOR AFTER COMPLETION OF RADIATION THERAPY (POST-RADIATION PERIOD)

After completing a course of radiation therapy, it is very important to periodically check the results of your treatment. You should undergo regular follow-up examinations with an oncologist or the doctor who referred you for treatment. The time of the first follow-up examination will be determined by the attending physician upon discharge. A further observation schedule will be drawn up by an oncologist. These same specialists will, if necessary, prescribe further treatment or rehabilitation for you.

One of the main problems of cancer tumors is uncontrolled cell division and proliferation. Radiation therapy in oncology and radiology can reduce aggressiveness, reduce tumor growth and force some cells to stop dividing. The most common forms of cancer cells are very sensitive to this effect.

Purposes of ionized radiation

Reducing the risk of metastases.
Reduce the growth rate of cancer tissue.
Lethal damage to tumor cells.

The impact is carried out using a linear accelerator on DNA molecules, which, under the influence of a dose of radiation, change and stop dividing. At the same time, healthy cells are not so susceptible to the effects, but young immature tumor cells, on the contrary, are very sensitive. But radiation for oncology is used only in combination with the main types of therapy: surgical treatment and chemotherapy.

Recently, radiation therapy has begun to be used for simple diseases, for example, in the fight against bone growths. The advantage of this treatment is that radio irradiation can be carried out in a targeted manner so as not to affect healthy cells.

When to use

As practice shows, radiotherapy is used for almost all oncological diseases - 55-75% of cases. Otherwise, cancer cells are not so sensitive to radiation, or the patient, on the contrary, has side effects and diseases for which this treatment is contraindicated.

We advise women and girls who have undergone radiation not to plan to give birth in the next couple of years, since the rays have a very strong effect on reproductive function. And in order to give birth to a healthy baby, you should wait a little - if you have time.

How much does radiotherapy cost?

In regular clinics and city hospitals they will give it to you for free. If you want to do it on more advanced equipment, then you should enroll in a paid hospital. In this case, the cost will vary from 15,000 to 50,000 rubles per procedure. Prices abroad are 2-3 times more expensive.

Content

When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the most modern techniques are used to combat it. One of them, radiation therapy, is widely used in oncology after surgical treatment and, although it has side effects, it helps to cope with the problem. Who is prescribed such procedures, what complications arise, are there any contraindications - this is discussed in detail in the review of the treatment of malignant tumors with radiation.

What is radiation therapy

The essence of the therapy method is to expose pathogenic cancer cells to ionizing radiation, to which they exhibit increased sensitivity. The peculiarity of radiation treatment – radiotherapy – is that healthy cells do not undergo changes. The main tasks that radiation treatment solves for cancer:

limiting tumor growth;
damage to malignant cells;
prevention of the development of metastases.

The technique for cancer is performed using a linear accelerator in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy, and is used to treat bone growths. During the procedure, the affected tissues are irradiated. With ionizing effects on cancer cells:

their DNA changes;
cell damage occurs;
their destruction begins due to changes in metabolism;
tissue replacement occurs.

Indications for use

Radiation in oncology is used as the impact of radiation on tumors with high radiosensitivity and rapid spread. Radiation exposure is prescribed when malignant neoplasms appear in various organs. The therapy is indicated for the treatment of cancer of the mammary glands, female genital organs, as well as:

brain;
stomach, rectum;
prostate gland;
language;
skin;
lungs;
larynx;
nasopharynx.

Radiotherapy in oncology has indications such as:

an independent method of completely removing a tumor when surgery is not feasible;
palliative radiation treatment of the tumor volume, when its complete removal is impossible;
component of complex cancer therapy;
a method of reducing pain and preventing tumor spread;
irradiation before surgery.

Kinds

In modern oncology, several types of radiation exposure are practiced. They differ in the source of radiation of radioactive isotopes and the way they influence the body. The installations used by clinics for cancer treatment use:

alpha radiation;
beta therapy;
X-ray irradiation;
gamma therapy;
neutron exposure;
proton therapy;
pi-meson irradiation.

Radiation treatment of cancer involves two types of procedures - remote and contact. In the first case, the device is located at a distance from the patient, static or moving irradiation is performed. Contact radiation methods work differently:

application - acts through special pads on the tumor area;
internal – drugs are injected into the blood;
interstitial – threads filled with isotopes are placed on the tumor area;
intracavitary irradiation - the device is inserted inside the affected organ - the esophagus, uterus, nasopharynx.

Side effects

The use of radiotherapy methods in the treatment of cancer often causes unpleasant consequences. After sessions, patients, in addition to the therapeutic effect, experience systemic side effects. Patients note that:

appetite decreases;
swelling appears at the irradiation site;
weakness occurs;
mood changes;
haunted by chronic fatigue;
hair fall out;
hearing decreases;
vision deteriorates;
weight decreases;
sleep is disturbed;
the composition of the blood changes.

When carrying out procedures in radiology, radiation beams have a local negative effect on the skin. In this case, side effects are observed:

radiation ulcers form;
the color of the skin changes;
burns appear;
sensitivity increases;
skin damage develops in the form of blisters;
peeling, itching, dryness, redness occurs;
infection of the affected areas is possible.

Contraindications

Radiation for oncological diseases has limitations for its use. Doctors prescribing procedures after surgery should take this into account. Therapy sessions are contraindicated in the following cases:

pregnancy;
the patient's serious condition;
presence of signs of intoxication;
fever;
radiation sickness;
severe form of anemia;
severe exhaustion of the body;
malignant neoplasms with bleeding;
severe concomitant diseases;
a sharp decrease in leukocytes and platelets in the blood.

Carrying out radiation therapy

Before performing the procedure, the exact location and size of the tumor is determined. The number of sessions and radiation doses are selected individually depending on the size of the tumor, the type of cells, and the nature of the pathology. The treatment process is easily tolerated, but requires subsequent rest. After radiation exposure, side effects are possible. During therapy:

the patient is in a supine position;
special devices are used to protect adjacent tissues;
the session lasts up to 45 minutes - depends on the method;
the course ranges from 14 days to seven weeks.

Consequences

Doctors warn patients that the results of radiation can be unpredictable. It depends on the patient’s condition, the course of the disease, and the type of cancer. A complete cure and no results from radiation exposure are possible. The consequences of the procedures may take several months to appear. Depending on the location of the tumor, the following may develop:

in the head area – feelings of heaviness, hair loss;
on the face, neck - dry mouth, problems with swallowing, hoarseness;
in the abdominal cavity - diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
on the mammary gland - muscle pain, cough.

After hysterectomy

When, as a result of the development of a cancerous tumor, the uterus is removed and radiation exposure is administered, first of all, this becomes a psychological trauma. A woman is afraid that changes will occur in relationships and problems with her sex life will arise. Doctors recommend starting sexual intercourse two months after therapy. Possible consequences of radiation treatment:

digestive disorders;
intoxication of the body;
vomiting;
pain in the stomach;
itching, burning on the skin;
dryness in the vagina, on the genitals.

Recovery after radiation therapy

To make the process of returning to normal life after procedures faster and to reduce the risk of side effects, doctors recommend following a number of rules. If you notice any new discomfort, you should consult a doctor. To speed up recovery, it is recommended:

normalization of blood counts;
treatment of burns;
dietary nutrition;
good sleep;
moderate physical activity;
walks in the open air;
day rest;
positive emotions;
drinking water to remove toxic substances;
quitting smoking and alcohol.

Treatment of burns

When radiation damage to the skin caused by the maximum dose of radiation occurs, burns similar to sunburn appear. They may occur immediately after the procedure or appear after some time. The treatment process can be long and difficult. When providing first aid, wipes with an antibacterial composition are used. For the treatment of skin burns it is recommended:

strict diet;
drinking plenty of water;
use of Tenon ointment;
applying Shostakovsky balm;
dressings with sea buckthorn oil;
compresses with juice of plantain leaves, aloe.

Diet food

After radiation treatment of a cancerous tumor, it is necessary to adhere to a strict diet. Alcohol, marinades, canned foods, and foods rich in cholesterol should be excluded from the diet. You cannot eat baked goods, sweets, strong tea, or pickles. When irradiating the oral cavity, food should be warm, liquid, and soft. After therapy it is recommended to use:

whipped cream;
eggs;
nuts;
meat broths;
natural honey;
lean fish;
potato;
greenery;
porridge;
cabbage;
dairy products;
fruits;
carrot;
peas;
beets;
beans.

What to do if you have a fever

When performing radiation treatments on cancerous tumors, an increase in temperature is possible. It may indicate the beginning of recovery - substances from destroyed cells enter the blood and act on the heat regulation center. Possible factors are infection of the body, dilation of blood vessels at the site of irradiation. Doctor only:

determine the cause of the high temperature;
prescribe drug therapy;
will prescribe bed rest.

How to raise white blood cells after radiotherapy

A common complication after radiation treatment is a change in blood counts for the worse. There is a drop in hemoglobin, platelets, and leukocytes. This causes a decrease in immunity and the development of infections. To raise white blood cells, doctors prescribe special medications and recommend:

drink red wine in small quantities;
eat seafood;
eat nuts, honey;
drink beet juice, pomegranate;
introduce sea, white fish, red caviar into the diet;
eat buckwheat, rolled oats;
eat fresh fruits.

How much does radiation therapy cost in Moscow?

Treatment using isotope radiation is carried out in specialized clinics and oncology centers. The cost of therapy depends on the level of the medical institution, the equipment used, the qualifications of the personnel, and consumables. The price of the treatment course is:

Video

Radiation therapy - radiotherapy

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is a generally safe and effective treatment for cancer. The advantages of this method for patients are undeniable.

Radiotherapy ensures the preservation of the anatomy and function of the organ, improves the quality of life and survival rates, and reduces pain. For decades now, radiation therapy for cancer has LT) is widely used for most cancers. No other cancer treatment is as effective as RT in killing the tumor or relieving pain and other symptoms.

Radiation therapy is used to treat almost all malignancies, in whatever tissues and organs they arise. Radiation for cancer is used alone or in combination with other methods, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be used to cure cancer completely or to relieve symptoms when the tumor cannot go away.

Currently, complete cure is possible in more than 50% of cases of malignant tumors, for which radiotherapy is extremely important. Typically, about 60% of patients treated for cancer require radiology at some stage of the disease. Unfortunately, this does not happen in Russian reality.

What is radiotherapy?

Radiation therapy in oncology involves the treatment of malignant neoplasms using high-energy radiation. A radiation oncologist uses radiation to completely cure cancer or relieve pain and other symptoms caused by a tumor.

The principle of action of radiation for cancer is to disrupt the reproductive capabilities of cancer cells, that is, their ability to reproduce, as a result of which the body naturally gets rid of them.

Radiation therapy damages cancer cells by negatively affecting their DNA, causing the cells to no longer divide or grow. This method of cancer treatment is most effective in destroying actively dividing cells.

The high sensitivity of malignant tumor cells to radiation is due to two main factors:

they divide much faster than healthy cells and
they are not capable of repairing damage as effectively as healthy cells.

A radiation oncologist may perform external (external) radiotherapy using a linear particle accelerator (a device that accelerates electrons to produce X-rays or gamma rays).

Brachytherapy - internal radiation therapy

Radiation for cancer is also possible using sources of radioactive radiation that are placed in the patient's body (so-called brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy).

In this case, the radioactive substance is located inside needles, catheters, beads or special conductors that are temporarily or permanently implanted inside the tumor or placed in close proximity to it.

Brachytherapy is a very common method of radiation therapy for prostate, uterine, and cervical or breast cancer. The radiation method so accurately affects the tumor from the inside that the consequences (complications after radiation therapy on healthy organs) are practically eliminated.

Some patients suffering from a malignant tumor are prescribed radiotherapy instead of surgery. Prostate cancer and laryngeal cancer are often treated in this manner.

Adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy

In some cases, RT is only part of a patient's treatment plan. When radiation for cancer is given after surgery, it is called adjuvant.

For example, a woman may be prescribed radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery. This makes it possible to completely cure breast cancer and preserve breast anatomy.

Induction radiotherapy

In addition, it is possible to carry out radiotherapy before surgery. In this case, it is called neoadjuvant or induction and can improve survival rates or make it easier for the surgeon to perform the operation. Examples of this approach include radiation treatment for cancer of the esophagus, rectum, or lungs.

Combined treatment

In some cases, before surgical removal of cancer, RT is prescribed to the patient along with chemotherapy. Combination treatment can reduce the amount of surgery that might otherwise be required. For example, some patients suffering from bladder cancer, with the simultaneous administration of all three treatment methods, manage to completely preserve this organ. It is possible to simultaneously conduct chemotherapy and radiotherapy without surgery in order to improve the local tumor response to treatment and reduce the severity of metastasis (tumor spread).

In some cases, such as lung, head and neck, or cervical cancer, this treatment may be sufficient without the need for surgery.

Since radiation also damages healthy cells, it is very important that it is targeted specifically at the area of the cancerous tumor. The less radiation affects healthy organs, the less likely the negative consequences of radiation therapy. That is why, when planning treatment, various imaging methods are used (imaging the tumor and its surrounding organs), which ensures accurate delivery of radiation to the tumor, protection of nearby healthy tissues and a reduction in the severity of side effects and complications of radiotherapy later.

Intensity modulated radiotherapy - IMRT

A more accurate match of the radiation dose to the tumor volume is provided by a modern method of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy called intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). This method of radiation for cancer allows higher doses to be safely delivered to the tumor than with traditional radiation. IMRT is often used in conjunction with image-guided radiotherapy (IRT), which provides extremely precise delivery of the selected dose of radiation to the malignant tumor or even a specific area within the tumor. Modern developments in the field of radiology in oncology, such as RTVC, make it possible to adjust the procedure to the characteristics of organs prone to movement, such as the lungs, as well as tumors that are located close to vital organs and tissues.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Other methods of ultra-precise delivery of radiation to the tumor include stereotactic radiosurgery, during which three-dimensional imaging is used to determine the precise coordinates of the tumor. After this, targeted X-rays or gamma rays converge on the tumor with the goal of destroying it. The Gamma Knife technique uses cobalt radiation sources to focus multiple beams into small areas. Stereotactic radiation therapy also uses linear particle accelerators to deliver radiation to the brain. In a similar way, it is possible to treat tumors and other localizations. This radiation therapy is called extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy (or body SR). This method is of particular value in the treatment of lung tumors, liver and bone cancer.

Radiation therapy is also used to reduce blood flow to tumors located in vascular organs such as the liver. Thus, during stereotactic surgery, special microspheres filled with a radioactive isotope are used, which clog the blood vessels of the tumor and cause it to starve.

In addition to being an active treatment for cancer, radiotherapy is also a palliative treatment. This means that RT can relieve the pain and suffering of patients with advanced forms of malignancy. Palliative radiation for cancer improves the quality of life of patients experiencing severe pain, difficulty moving or eating due to a growing tumor.

Possible complications - consequences of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy for cancer can cause significant side effects later. As a rule, their occurrence is due to damage to healthy cells during irradiation. Side effects and complications of radiation therapy are usually cumulative, that is, they do not occur immediately, but over a certain period of time from the start of treatment. The consequences can be mild or severe, depending on the size and location of the tumor.

The most common side effects of radiotherapy include irritation or damage to the skin near the radiation area and fatigue. Skin manifestations include dryness, itching, peeling, or blistering or blistering. Fatigue for some patients means only mild tiredness, while others report extreme exhaustion and are asked to undergo post-radiotherapy recovery.

Other side effects of radiation therapy generally depend on the type of cancer being treated. Such consequences include baldness or sore throat during radiology in oncology: head and neck tumors, difficulty urinating during irradiation of the pelvic organs, etc. You should talk in more detail about the side effects, consequences and complications of radiation therapy with your oncologist, who can explain what to expect during a particular treatment. Side effects can be short-term or chronic, but many do not experience them at all.

If the patient has undergone long-term complex treatment, then recovery after courses of radiation therapy may be required, for example, in case of general intoxication of the body. Sometimes proper nutrition and enough rest are enough to restore. For more serious complications, recovery of the body requires medical assistance.

What can a patient expect during treatment?

The battle with cancer (malignant tumor) is a great challenge for any patient. The following brief information about radiotherapy will help you prepare for this difficult battle. It addresses the main difficulties and problems that any patient may encounter during a course of radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery. Depending on the specific case of the disease, each stage of treatment may acquire its own differences.

Preliminary consultation

The very first step in fighting cancer with radiotherapy is a consultation with a radiation oncologist who specializes in radiation therapy for malignant tumors. The patient is referred for consultation to this specialist by the attending oncologist, who diagnosed the cancer. Having analyzed the case of the disease in detail, the doctor chooses one or another method of radiotherapy, which, in his opinion, is best suited in this situation.

In addition, the radiation oncologist determines additional treatment if required, for example, chemotherapy or surgery, and the sequence and combination of courses of therapy. The doctor also tells the patient about the goals and planned results of therapy and informs him of possible side effects that often occur during a course of RT. The patient should make a decision about starting radiotherapy soberly and carefully, after a detailed conversation with the attending oncologist, who should tell about other options alternative to radiation therapy. Preliminary consultations with a radiation oncologist are an excellent opportunity for the patient to clarify all questions about the disease and its possible treatment that remain unclear.

Preliminary examination: tumor imaging

After a preliminary consultation, the second, no less important stage begins: examination using imaging techniques, which allows you to accurately determine the size, contours, location, blood supply and other features of the tumor. Based on the results obtained, the doctor will be able to clearly plan the course of radiation therapy. As a rule, at this stage the patient will undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan, as a result of which the doctor receives a detailed three-dimensional image of the tumor in all details.

Special computer programs allow you to rotate the image on the computer screen in all directions, which allows you to view the tumor from any angle. However, in some cases, the examination at the planning stage of radiotherapy is not limited to CT alone. Sometimes additional diagnostic options such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), PET-CT (a combination of PET and CT) and ultrasound (ultrasound) are required. The purpose of additional examination depends on various factors, including the location of the tumor in a particular organ or tissue, the type of tumor, and the general condition of the patient.

Each radiotherapy session begins with the patient being placed on the treatment table. In this case, it is necessary to recreate with absolute accuracy the very position in which the preliminary examination was carried out using visualization methods. That is why in the preliminary stages, in some cases, marks are applied to the patient’s skin using a special permanent marker, and sometimes tiny tattoos the size of a pinhead.

These markings help medical staff ensure the patient's body is positioned accurately during each radiotherapy session. At the preliminary examination stage, measurements are sometimes taken for the manufacture of auxiliary devices for radiotherapy. Their type depends on the exact position of the tumor. For example, for cancer of the head and neck organs or brain tumors, a fixing rigid head mask is often made, and for lesions of the abdominal organs, a special mattress is made that exactly matches the contours of the patient’s body. All these devices ensure that the patient's position is maintained during each session.

Making a radiotherapy plan

After completing the examination and analyzing the obtained images, other specialists are involved in drawing up a radiotherapy plan. Typically this is medical physicist and dosimetrist, whose task is to study the physical aspects of radiation therapy and the prevention of complications (compliance with safety procedures) during treatment.

When drawing up a plan, specialists take into account a variety of factors. The most important of them are the type of malignant neoplasm, its size and location (including proximity to vital organs), data from additional examination of the patient, for example, laboratory tests (hematopoiesis, liver function, etc.), general health, the presence of serious concomitant diseases, experience with RT in the past and many others. Taking into account all these factors, specialists individualize the radiation therapy plan and calculate the radiation dose (total for the entire course and the dose for each radiotherapy session), the number of sessions required to receive the full dose, their duration and intervals between them, the exact angles at which the X-rays should hit the tumor, etc.

Positioning the patient before starting a radiotherapy session

Before each session, the patient must change into a hospital gown. Some radiation therapy centers allow you to wear your own clothes during the procedure, so it is better to come to the session in loose clothing made of soft fabrics that does not restrict movement. At the beginning of each session, the patient is placed on the treatment table, which is a special couch connected to a radiotherapy machine. At this stage, auxiliary devices (fixing mask, fastening, etc.), which were made during the preliminary examination, are also attached to the patient’s body. Fixation of the patient's body is necessary to ensure conformity of radiotherapy (exact match of the radiation beam to the contours of the tumor). The level of possible complications and consequences after radiation therapy depends on this.

The treatment table can be moved. In this case, medical personnel are guided by marks previously applied to the patient’s skin. This is necessary to accurately target the tumor with gamma rays during each radiation therapy session. In some cases, after placing and fixing the patient’s body position on the couch, an additional photograph is taken immediately before the radiotherapy session itself. This is necessary to detect any changes that may have occurred since the first examination, such as an increase in size of the tumor or a change in its position.

For some RT machines, a pre-treatment control image is mandatory, while in other cases it depends on the preference of the radiation oncologist. If at this stage specialists detect any changes in the behavior of the tumor, then an appropriate correction of the patient’s position on the treatment table is carried out. This helps doctors make sure the treatment is correct and the tumor receives the exact dose of radiation needed to kill it.

How does a radiation therapy session work?

A device called a linear medical accelerator of charged particles, or simply a linear accelerator, is responsible for the production of X-rays or gamma rays. Most devices of this kind are equipped with a massive device called a gantry, which during the session continuously rotates around the patient's table, emitting radiation that is invisible to the eye and in no way felt. A special and very important device is built into the gantry body: a multi-leaf collimator.

It is due to this device that a special shape of the gamma ray beam is formed, which allows targeted treatment of the tumor with radiation from any angle, practically without going beyond its limits and without damaging healthy tissue. The first few radiation therapy sessions are longer than the subsequent ones and take about 15 minutes each. This is due to technical difficulties that may arise when initially placing the patient on the couch or due to the need for additional imaging. Time is required to comply with all safety rules. Subsequent sessions are usually shorter. Typically, a patient's length of stay at a radiation therapy center is 15 to 30 minutes each time, from the time they enter the waiting room to the time they leave the facility.

Complications and need for follow-up

Radiation therapy is often accompanied by the development of side effects (complications), the nature and severity of which depend on the type and location of the tumor, the total radiation dose, the patient’s condition and other factors. The effects of gamma radiation are cumulative, that is, they accumulate in the body, which means that most often unwanted and side effects, such as the consequences of radiation therapy, appear only after several sessions. That is why it is necessary to always maintain contact with the radiation oncologist, both before the procedure and during it, telling the doctor about all subsequent health problems that accompany radiotherapy.

Recovery after radiation therapy for complications

After completing a course of radiation therapy, the body may need to be restored, so the oncologist must draw up a follow-up schedule, which will allow tracking the effects of the treatment and preventing complications and tumor recurrence. As a rule, the first consultation with a specialist is required 1-3 months after completion of RT, and the intervals between subsequent visits to the doctor are about 6 months. However, these values are arbitrary and depend on the behavior of the tumor in each specific case, when consultations may be required less often or more often.

Observation by a specialist after the end of radiation therapy makes it possible to timely identify a possible relapse of the tumor, which can be indicated by certain symptoms that worry the patient, or objective signs that the doctor identifies. In such cases, the oncologist will order appropriate testing, such as blood tests, MRI, CT or ultrasound, chest x-ray, bone scan, or more specific procedures.

The extent of measures to restore the body after radiation therapy depends on the degree of complications and intoxication of healthy tissue exposed to radiation. Medication is not always required. Many patients do not experience any effects or complications after radiation therapy, other than general fatigue. The body recovers over several weeks with a balanced diet and rest.

After a course of radiation therapy, patients develop radiation sickness, which has a depressing effect on many vital functions of the body.

The development of radiation sickness is due to the fact that healthy tissue cells are affected by ionizing radiation along with tumor cells.

Ionizing radiation has the ability to accumulate in the body.

Early and later signs of radiation sickness - pain, nausea and vomiting, swelling, fever, intoxication, cystitis, etc. - are caused by the negative impact of ionizing radiation on active cells of the body. The epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous tissue, immune system, bone marrow, and genital organs are most susceptible to damage.

The intensity of manifestations of radiation sickness varies depending on the radiation exposure and the characteristics of the patient’s body. What should cancer patients do to prevent complications after radiation therapy and to improve their well-being?

Radiation sickness has several stages, with each subsequent stage of the disease characterized by an increase in symptoms and a deterioration in the patient’s condition. So, if at first a person is worried only about general weakness, loss of appetite and dyspeptic symptoms, then over time, with the development of the disease, he feels a pronounced asthenia (weakening) of the body, suppression of the immune system and neuroendocrine regulation.

After radiation therapy, serious damage to the skin can develop - the so-called. radiation burns requiring rehabilitation. Radiation burns often go away on their own, but in some cases they are so severe that they may require special medical care to treat them.

Radiation therapy can also provoke inflammatory processes, which easily develop into complications such as exudative epidermitis, esophagitis, pulmonitis, and perichondritis. Sometimes complications affect the mucous membranes of organs located close to the site of exposure to rays.

In addition, radiation therapy can have a serious effect on the hematopoietic process in the body. Thus, the composition of the blood may change, in particular, anemia may develop when the amount of hemoglobin in the blood drops below the permissible limit.

It should be noted that high-tech modern equipment minimizes possible complications.

During the recovery period, it is necessary to periodically check the results of therapy, take the necessary tests on time, and regularly undergo follow-up examinations with an oncologist.

The specialist will promptly determine the cause of the violations, give the necessary recommendations, and prescribe the necessary medications for treatment.

For example, drugs based on erythropoietin, as well as iron supplements, vitamin B12 and folic acid, will help increase the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

A serious reaction of the body to radiation therapy procedures can be a depressive state, manifested incl. and increased irritability. During this period, it is necessary to find positive emotions in life and tune in to an optimistic mood. The support of loved ones is very important in this difficult and responsible period of life.

Currently, an increasing number of patients who have undergone radiation therapy are successfully coping with the disease and returning to a normal, fulfilling life. However, it must be remembered that even if a person has recovered after a period of 2-3 years, one should not refuse regular examinations by a doctor in order to detect possible relapses, as well as courses of supportive and restorative therapy and sanatorium-resort treatment.

The use of herbal medicine to restore the body

Some patients recover fairly quickly after radiation therapy with rest and a balanced diet. In another part of patients, after treatment, serious complications may arise, caused by general intoxication of the body and requiring medication.

To speed up the body's recovery processes, traditional medicine can also be of great help. An experienced herbalist will select herbs and their infusions that will help cleanse the body of radionuclides, improve the blood formula, strengthen the immune system and have a positive effect on the patient’s well-being.

Using lungwort

Experts recommend using lungwort preparations after radiation therapy.

The plant contains a rich complex of microelements that help restore and improve the blood formula.

In addition, taking plant preparations helps stimulate and strengthen the immune system, increase the adaptogenic functions of the body, improve the psycho-emotional state, and get rid of emotional exhaustion.

For patients who have undergone radiation therapy, herbalists recommend using a water infusion and an alcohol tincture of the plant. There are no contraindications to lungwort preparations, but they should be used with caution in cases of intestinal atony and increased blood clotting. You should not take the plant preparations on an empty stomach - this may cause nausea.

To prepare the infusion 2 tbsp. spoons of chopped herbs are poured into a glass of boiling water, left for 3-4 hours, filtered. Drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day, with a small amount of honey. Externally, the infusion can be used for douching of the rectum or vagina.

The alcohol tincture is prepared as follows: put raw crushed grass into a 1-liter jar, filling 0.5 volume (if the raw material is dry, fill 0.3 volume of the jar), fill it to the top with vodka, close it and put it in a dark place for 14 days. Filtered. Use the drug 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day, with a small amount of water.

Use of Rhodiola rosea and Eleutherococcus

The use of adaptogen plants such as Rhodiola rosea and Eleutherococcus are very effective for the recovery of patients undergoing radiation therapy. The drugs weaken the toxic effects of radiation on the body and improve blood counts. Experts also point to the antitumor properties of these plants.

Alcohol tinctures of Rhodiola and Eleutherococcus are used as medicinal preparations. It is important to note that the stimulating effect of these drugs on hematopoiesis begins on the 5-6th day from the start of drug use, and a pronounced therapeutic effect is observed by the 10-12th day. Therefore, it is better to start taking plant preparations 5-6 days before the start of irradiation.

An alcoholic tincture of Rhodiola rosea is prepared as follows: 50 g of rhizomes, previously crushed, are poured with 0.5 liters of vodka and placed in a dark place for 2 weeks, after which it is filtered. Take 20-30 drops 2-3 times a day half an hour before meals (the last dose should be no later than 4 hours before bedtime). For people prone to high blood pressure, start taking the drug with 5 drops three times a day. In the absence of negative effects, the dosage is increased to 10 drops.

Alcohol tincture of Eleutherococcus is drunk 20-40 drops twice a day before meals. The course of drug treatment is 30 days. After a short break, the course of treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Using herbal teas

For the rehabilitation of patients who are severely weakened after a course of radiation therapy, herbalists recommend the use of special healing herbs.

Healing infusions prepared from such preparations supply the depleted body with vitamins, increase immunity, effectively remove toxins, and ensure the stable functioning of all organs and systems of the body.

A very effective collection with such components as: birch (buds), immortelle (flowers), oregano (herb), angelica officinalis (root), St. John's wort (herb), stinging nettle (leaves), cordate linden (flowers), mother common stepmother (leaves), peppermint (leaves), dandelion (root), great plantain (leaves), motherwort (leaves), chamomile (flowers), common pine (buds), common yarrow (herb), thyme (herb), greater celandine (herb), sage (herb).

All components of the collection are taken in equal weight quantities, crushed and mixed. 14th century spoons of the collection, pour 3 liters of boiling water, cover with a lid, wrap tightly and let it brew for at least 8 hours. Next, the infusion is filtered through several layers of gauze, poured into a jar and stored in the refrigerator. The shelf life of the product is 5 days. Drink the infusion 2 times a day: on an empty stomach (an hour before the first meal) and during the day (but not before bedtime). Single dose – 1 glass of infusion. The infusion has no side effects and can be used for a long time.

Using bergenia and nettle

To improve the blood count, especially when platelets are low, herbalists recommend using preparations of bergenia root and nettle leaves.

To prepare a decoction of bergenia root, pour 10 g of raw material into a glass of boiling water, keep it in a water bath for 30 minutes, leave for an hour, and filter. Take 1-2 tbsp. spoons three times a day before meals.

To prepare nettle decoction: 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of fresh crushed leaves of the plant into a glass of hot water, bring to a boil, and boil for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, let it brew for an hour, strain. Take 2-3 tbsp. spoons 3-4 times a day before meals.

In the cold season, you can use an infusion prepared from dry nettle leaves. 10 g of dry raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water, left in a thermos for 20-30 minutes, filtered. Drink the healing infusion in small portions throughout the day, before meals.

Let us remind you that any independent treatment measures must be agreed upon with the attending physician.