Radiation Therapy: there are 2 different types of radiation therapy; the External Beam Radiation and the Brachytherapy.
Today we will be explaining the EBR (External Beam Radiation)
External Beam Radiation: this type of treatment uses a high-energy X-rays from outside the body, that directly kills cancer cells
How does it work? Radiation targets the tumor, damaging cancer cell DNA and stopping their growth.
How is it used in colon cancer? It is used in colon cancer mainly in specific cases like pre-surgical shrinkage, post-surgical residual treatment, or palliative care, and is usually combined with chemotherapy for better results.
Supportive Care:
Management of Side Effects: Includes strategies to minimize discomfort and maintain quality of life. This might involve medications for bowel issues or skin care to handle radiation burns.
Symptom Relief: In cases where EBRT is used for palliative care, it helps alleviate symptoms like pain, bleeding, or obstruction.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Involves collaboration with nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists to support overall well-being during treatment.
Personalization of Treatment:
Tailored Planning: Radiation therapy is customized based on tumor location, size, and stage, using advanced imaging to target precisely.
Individual Factors: Treatment plans consider patient-specific factors like overall health, previous treatments, and response to therapy.
Dose and Duration: Adjustments are made to the dose and schedule of radiation to optimize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Future Directions:
Advancements in Technology: Innovations such as more precise imaging techniques (e.g., MRI-guided radiation) and delivery methods (e.g., proton therapy) aim to enhance targeting and reduce side effects.
Combination Therapies: Research into combining EBRT with newer drugs or immunotherapies to improve outcomes and manage resistance.
Personalized Approaches: Continued development of personalized treatment plans based on genetic and molecular profiling of tumors to tailor radiation therapy more effectively.
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