Radiation therapy can kill tumor cells by destroying them or slowing their growth and spread. Neighboring normal cells may also be harmed, but they can usually repair themselves over time.
For patients with leukemia, doctors most often use external irradiation. This is where radiation is produced by an instrument that penetrates the patient’s skin and delivers energy to the tumor site. Such treatment options can:
How long does radiation therapy take?
Treatment with external radiation is usually outpatient, meaning that patients do not need to be hospitalized. Typically, there is only one visit to the radiation center per day, 5 days per week, with weekends off to allow time for normal cells adjacent to the tumor tissue to repair. The course of radiation therapy may last 4 to 5 weeks.
The doctor will give the patient details of the treatment plan and the associated schedule.
Radiotherapy is very much like an x-ray. There is no wound formation during the treatment and it is very fast. Each session may take only about 10 minutes. And most of the time is spent setting up the machine and getting the patient into the right position to make sure the beam of energy hits the same spot every time.
What steps are involved in the treatment process?
The patient’s first office visit takes longer because the hematologist and radiologist need to develop a detailed treatment plan for the patient. The doctor will order a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to determine where in the patient’s body the tumor is located and to clearly outline the exact shape of the tumor. The radiologist will also mark the patient’s skin to help target the radiation beam.
A large instrument called a linear gas pedal emits rays. As it moves around the patient, it makes a clicking sound with a buzzing noise. The instrument does not come into direct contact with the patient, though it emits a beam of light that helps the radiologist position it according to markers to ensure that the instrument’s rays are emitted to the correct area. Doctors also place shields adjacent to the patient’s body, thus blocking radiation to protect normal cells in the area.
After the patient is in place, the radiologist will start the treatment by remote control of the instrument in the next room. They will not be in the same room as the patient, but will be able to see, hear, and communicate with the patient throughout the procedure.
Patients do not need to hold their breath, but they do need to remain still. The individualized immobilization device helps the patient to remain in the same position throughout the treatment.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Patients can experience some side effects during radiation therapy because normal cells are also affected by the radiation. This depends on the specific part of the body where the patient receives radiation therapy, and the doctor will explain in detail to the patient what adverse effects may occur.
Here are some of the more common side effects:
- Redness, blistering, itching, or rash on the skin;
- Extreme fatigue, with the patient feeling weak even when resting;
- Anemia;
- prone to bleeding or bruising;
- Higher risk of infection.
These symptoms occur in the second 2 or 3 weeks after treatment begins and may continue to increase in severity. They will go away over time after treatment ends. Patients can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of side effects and take the necessary treatment in time to prevent them from worsening over the course of treatment.
Patients should always inform their clinician as soon as possible if they notice any changes in their condition.
What are the long-term side effects of radiation therapy?
Some side effects of radiation therapy may occur months or even years after treatment ends. For example, radiation therapy to the chest may lead to signs of heart damage someday.
Depending on the patient’s specific site of radiation therapy, the doctor will indicate what long-term side effects may occur and what symptoms the patient should be aware of. Such side effects can usually be alleviated with appropriate treatment.