Thoracic cancer encompasses several types of cancers that affect the chest area, including lung cancer, oesophagal cancer, and mediastinal tumours. Among these, lung cancer is the most common. One of the key treatment modalities for thoracic cancer is radiation therapy. This advanced therapy plays a significant role in both curative and palliative treatments, often used alongside surgery or chemotherapy. Dr Gopal Sharma, an expert in oncology, emphasises the importance of precision and innovation in administering radiation therapy for thoracic cancer, offering patients the best possible outcomes.
What is Radiation Therapy for Thoracic Cancer?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. In thoracic cancer, this approach targets the tumours in the chest region. It can be delivered externally using a machine called a linear accelerator (external beam radiation therapy or EBRT) or internally through a process known as brachytherapy.
For thoracic cancer, radiation therapy is often utilized:
- Before surgery (neoadjuvant radiation) to shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove.
- After surgery (adjuvant radiation) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
- As a primary treatment when surgery is not an option.
- It is for symptom relief in advanced-stage cancers, helping manage pain, breathing difficulties, or cough.
Types of Radiation Therapy for Thoracic Cancer
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): The most common form, EBRT involves the delivery of radiation from outside the body, focused precisely on the cancerous area. Advances like 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allow more accurate tumour targeting, sparing nearby healthy tissue.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT is an advanced, highly precise form of radiation therapy that delivers very high doses of radiation to the tumour in fewer sessions. It is particularly effective for small, early-stage thoracic tumours and offers minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Brachytherapy: In this internal form of radiation therapy, a radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumour. In thoracic cancer, brachytherapy is often used to treat oesophagal cancer or to manage airway obstruction in lung cancer.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Since cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells, they die off more readily. However, it is crucial to carefully plan the treatment to minimize exposure to healthy tissues, such as the lungs, heart, and spinal cord.
Dr. Gopal Sharma highlights that recent technological advancements have significantly improved the safety and precision of radiation therapy for thoracic cancer. Techniques such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and 4D imaging help track the movement of the tumour caused by breathing, ensuring that the radiation is accurately delivered.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
While radiation therapy is generally safe, it may cause some side effects, particularly in the thoracic region. These may include:
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation at the site of radiation
- Difficulty swallowing (esophagitis)
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Most side effects are temporary and can be managed with proper care and medication.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy for thoracic cancer is a crucial treatment method that can be used either as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. Under the guidance of experienced oncologists like Dr. Gopal Sharma, radiation therapy has become more effective, precise, and less harmful to surrounding tissues. It offers hope and improved survival rates for patients dealing with thoracic cancers, including lung and oesophagal cancers. For anyone facing a thoracic cancer diagnosis, discussing the potential benefits of radiation therapy with a specialist is a critical step toward recovery.