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Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a medical procedure in which ionising radiation is used in a targeted manner to treat diseased tissue. Alongside surgery and chemotherapy, it is one of the most important treatment methods in modern medicine and is used for a wide range of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions.

In our clinics, experienced radiotherapists carry out the treatment in accordance with current guidelines. Radiation planning is computer-assisted and three-dimensional, to spare surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible.

What is radiotherapy?

Using ionising radiation in a targeted manner for treatment

Radiotherapy – also known as radiation therapy or radiation oncology – uses high-energy radiation to treat specific areas of disease. In the case of cancer, it destroys tumour cells; in the case of benign conditions such as osteoarthritis, it inhibits inflammatory processes.

The treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis: you come in for a session, receive treatment and then go home again. Anaesthesia is not required.

Two areas of application: Radiotherapy is used both for malignant (cancerous) conditions such as cancer and for benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as osteoarthritis, heel spurs or tennis elbow.

How does radiation work?
  • Ionising radiation damages the DNA of tumour cells, preventing them from dividing and causing them to die. Healthy tissue regenerates more quickly and recovers better.
Who decides on the treatment?
  • The diagnosis is made by the interdisciplinary tumour board or in consultation with the referring doctor. We will provide you with detailed advice and draw up a personalised treatment plan.
How long does a series last?
  • For cancer: 4–7 weeks (daily Mon–Fri, 10–20 minutes each session). For benign conditions: often 6–12 short sessions.

Research

Finding the right treatment

Radiotherapy encompasses two very different areas of treatment. Select your topic for detailed information.

Good to know

Acute and long-term side effects of radiotherapy

Depending on the treatment, radiotherapy may cause temporary side effects such as tiredness or skin irritation, modern radiotherapy techniques, such as our Halcyon from Varian Medical Systems, enable precise planning and targeted delivery of radiation to the treatment area, taking surrounding tissue into account.

Our radiotherapy specialists will provide you with comprehensive information during your initial consultation and will take the time to answer your questions.

Fatigue / Tiredness
  • The most common side effect. It usually occurs after 2–3 weeks and improves once treatment has finished.
Local skin reactions
  • Redness, dryness or slight flaking in the area treated – similar to sunburn.
Long-term effects (rare)
  • These occur months or even years after treatment. They depend heavily on the part of the body that was irradiated.
Very low in benign cases
  • In X-ray radiation therapy, the radiation doses are very low – side effects are rare and mild.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions from our patients

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The most common side effects are tiredness (fatigue), skin reactions in the area treated with radiotherapy, and localised irritation of the mucous membranes following radiotherapy to the head and neck. Most acute side effects subside a few weeks after the end of treatment. Long-term side effects have become significantly less common thanks to modern techniques.