Radiotherapy Services | Meet The Best Radiotherapists in Penang
What is Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams, primarily X-rays, to kill cancer cells. While X-rays are the most commonly used, other forms of radiation, such as proton therapy, may also be utilized depending on the patient's specific needs. A radiotherapist is a specialist who administers radiotherapy, carefully planning and overseeing the process to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
Advanced Cancer Treatment at Gleneagles Hospital Penang
Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone – the young and the old, the rich and the poor, men, women and children. At Gleneagles Hospital Penang, we understand how disruptive and upsetting it can be when our patients find out they have cancer, and we are dedicated to helping them fight this illness to the best of our abilities.
Effective treatment of cancers involves a multi-modal approach to give patients the best chance of survival. At Gleneagles Hospital, patients have access to a wide variety of treatment options tailored to their unique conditions that include radiation therapy.
At Gleneagles Hospital Penang, we provide advanced cancer therapies such as:
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
- Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Applications of Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy can be employed at various stages of cancer, whether in its early stages or after it has begun to spread. It may be used to:
- Cure the cancer completely
- Enhance the effectiveness of other treatments
- Reduce the risk of cancer returning after surgery
- Alleviate symptoms when a cure is not possible
Different Types of Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy can be administered in several ways, depending on the patient's specific needs. Your doctors will recommend the most suitable type for you. The most common types of radiotherapy include:
- External radiotherapy: A machine carefully aims beams of radiation at the cancer.
- Brachytherapy: Small pieces of radioactive material are temporarily placed inside your body near the cancer.
- Radioisotope therapy: You swallow a radioactive liquid or inject it into your bloodstream.
- Intrabeam radiotherapy: Radiation is delivered directly to the tumor during breast cancer surgery (this treatment is not available at all hospitals).
Radiotherapy is typically given in a hospital setting. After external radiotherapy, you can usually go home the same day. Still, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days if you undergo implants or radioisotope therapy.
Preparing for Radiotherapy: What to Do Before Treatment
If you're diagnosed with cancer, a team of specialists will guide your care. They may recommend radiotherapy if they believe it's your best option, but ultimately, the decision is yours.
Making this choice can be challenging, so preparing a list of questions for your care team may be helpful. Consider asking about:
- The goal of the treatment—Is it to cure the cancer, relieve symptoms, or enhance the effectiveness of other treatments?
- Potential side effects and how they can be managed
- The expected effectiveness of radiotherapy in your case
- How long is the total course of radiotherapy?
- How long does each treatment session last?
- Alternative treatment options that could be considered
Once you feel confident in your decision and agree with your care team's recommendation, they will begin planning your treatment after your consent.
What to Expect During the Radiotherapy
Before your radiotherapy begins, your care team will carefully plan your treatment to maximize the dose of the cancer while minimizing the impact on nearby healthy cells. This planning often involves a CT scan to determine the exact location and size of the cancer. Small, permanent ink marks may be made on your skin or a custom mask if you're receiving treatment to your head, neck, arm, or leg to ensure accurate targeting each time.
Your treatment plan will specify the type of radiotherapy, the number of sessions, and the frequency of treatments. Typically, you'll receive one session a day, five days a week, with weekend breaks. In some cases, treatment may occur more frequently, or you may only need a single session if the goal is to control symptoms. Your doctor will explain the schedule and what to expect during your treatment.
How Is Radiotherapy Administered?
Radiotherapy, a pivotal cancer treatment, is administered through various methods tailored to each patient’s specific needs:
External Radiotherapy
During external radiotherapy, patients lie on a table while a sophisticated machine targets the cancer with radiation beams. Operated from an adjacent room, the machine is monitored by medical professionals who can communicate with the patient via an intercom. The procedure is painless, requires the patient to remain still, and is typically brief, allowing patients to return home shortly after.
Brachytherapy
Radiotherapy implants involve placing radioactive materials, such as wires, seeds, or tubes, directly into the body in regions like the vagina where no surgical insertion is needed. If necessary, surgery might be employed to position an implant closer to the cancer site. These implants might remain from several minutes to days, and small permanent implants are occasionally used.
Radiotherapy Injections, Capsules, or Drinks
For specific cancers like thyroid and some prostate cancers, treatment might involve ingesting or injecting radioactive substances. Post-treatment, patients might remain mildly radioactive for a few days, requiring a short hospital stay to ensure safety levels are met before going home. Post-discharge, patients are usually given guidelines to minimize radiation exposure to others.
Intrabeam Radiotherapy
This specialized form of radiotherapy delivers radiation directly to a tumor during surgery, typically for breast cancer, and is only available in hospitals equipped with the necessary technology.
Each of these radiotherapy methods is designed to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing patient discomfort and risk, showcasing modern cancer care's adaptability and precision.
Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up
After completing radiotherapy, follow-up care is crucial to monitor recovery and manage any lingering side effects. Here’s what typically happens:
- Follow-Up Appointments: check-ups with your oncologist or radiotherapist to monitor for cancer recurrence and assess recovery.
- Managing Side Effects: on handling persistent or late-appearing side effects, such as fatigue or skin changes.
- Rehabilitation: therapy may be necessary to regain strength and function.
- Emotional Support: to counseling or support groups to address the psychological impacts of cancer treatment.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: for lifestyle changes to help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Effective post-treatment care involves a holistic approach, addressing physical and emotional health.
Managing Side Effects of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is an effective cancer treatment. While it targets cancer cells, it can also affect nearby healthy cells. This may cause mild side effects like sore skin, fatigue, hair loss in the treated area, nausea, and a temporary loss of appetite. These effects are usually manageable and often fade after treatment ends.
External radiotherapy does not make you radioactive. If implants or injections are used, the radiation may stay in your body for a few days, so you might need to limit close contact with others temporarily. Your care team will guide you through any necessary precautions.
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