Radiation Therapy: How It Works and Possible Side Effects Explained

Radiation Therapy: How It Works and Possible Side Effects Explained

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is one of the three main pillars of modern cancer treatment, alongside chemotherapy and surgical tumor removal. Using ionizing radiation, tumor tissue is precisely targeted to destroy cancer cells or control their growth.

How Does Radiation Therapy Work?

Radiation therapy employs high-energy ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of cells. While healthy cells can repair this damage, cancer cells largely lack this ability. This makes them particularly vulnerable to radiation.

Targeted Radiation of Tumors

The focus of radiation therapy is on the so-called target volume, which includes the tumor and potentially affected surrounding tissue. Modern radiation therapy techniques minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and protect radiation-sensitive organs (risk organs). This is achieved through precise radiation planning, which keeps the target volume as small as possible without compromising effectiveness.

Fractionation: Delivering Radiation in Small Doses

To minimize side effects, the total radiation dose is divided into several smaller doses, called fractions. Fractionation allows healthy tissue to regenerate between sessions, while cancer cells continue to be damaged.

Typically, radiation therapy is administered over several weeks, with treatment scheduled five days a week. The weekends provide a break for the body to recover.

Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

While modern radiation therapy is highly advanced and generally well-tolerated, side effects can occur. These are usually temporary and confined to the treated area.

Common Side Effects

• Skin Irritation: Redness, itching, or hyperpigmentation of the skin may develop in the treated area. These irritations usually resolve completely after treatment.

• Tissue Changes: In some cases, tissue hardening due to increased connective tissue formation may occur, sometimes months or years after therapy.

• Fatigue: Many patients report fatigue during treatment, which typically subsides after therapy concludes.

Rare Long-Term Effects

In extremely rare cases, a second cancer may develop decades after radiation therapy, often only in instances of particularly high radiation doses (typically 25–30 years after therapy).

Radiation Therapy for Benign Conditions

In addition to cancer treatment, radiation therapy is also used at lower doses for benign conditions, such as inflammation (e.g., arthritis or tennis elbow). Due to the lower radiation dose, side effects are generally not observed in these cases.

Careful Planning for Maximum Safety

Before starting any radiation therapy, a comprehensive risk-benefit assessment is conducted. Advanced imaging and planning technologies ensure that the radiation dose is precisely targeted to the tumor. This allows effective treatment while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Conclusion: Safe and Effective Use of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a proven method for treating cancer and is also suitable for certain benign conditions. With a combination of precise planning and state-of-the-art technology, treatments today are more effective and tolerable than ever before.

If you have questions about radiation therapy or want to learn more about the treatment options available at our practice, our team of experts is here to assist you. Schedule a consultation today and start planning your personalized therapy!