Frequently Asked Questions: Radiation Oncology

What is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation Oncology is a branch of medicine which uses radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer. Radiation Oncologists are cancer specialists skilled in the treatment of cancer by radiation. Under the supervision of the Radiation Oncologist, a team of health care professionals which includes Radiation Therapists, Dosimetrists, Physicists, and Oncology Nurses, plan and administer the radiation treatments and provide the necessary medical care before and during radiation therapy and in follow-up care.

What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation Therapy involves the treatment of cancer and certain benign diseases with high energy rays. Modern Radiation Therapy is delivered using very sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment, computers and treatment planning capabilities to selectively pinpoint and treat areas while minimizing radiation dose to normal tissues. It is typically administered by a machine called a linear accelerator that produces a high energy X-ray beam which is externally delivered to the appropriate area of the body. This is called External Beam Radiation Therapy. In certain cases, radiation seeds or sources can be placed into the body either permanently or temporarily. This is called Brachytherapy. Injections of radioactive materials or swallowing of radioactive capsules can also be done. This is called Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine. Radiation Therapy can be used alone as the treatment for cancer. Often, it may be combined with chemotherapy or surgery, and occasionally with hyperthermia.

What happens during a treatment with Radiation Therapy?
Each day when you arrive for your treatment, you will check in and may be asked to change into an examination gown. It is best to wear clothing that is easy to take off and put on again. You will be positioned in the same manner as during the simulation verification by the Radiation Therapist. The treatment machine is then rotated to the proper angle. Although the Therapists do not remain in the room when the radiation beam is on, they are able to monitor you by a microphone and remote camera from just outside of the treatment room. The X-ray beam is turned on for a period of about one minute (the exact time is calculated in monitor units for your specific case). The Linear Accelerator is controlled from an area that is nearby the treatment room. The Therapist will return, and move the machine to the proper angle for the next beam. Each day you will be treated using one or more different beams, and the Therapist will rotate the machine and administer the treatment at each field, while you remain in the same position. Although the radiation beams are only on for a few minutes in total, you should expect to spend about 10 to 15 minutes on the treatment table, most of that time being spent ensuring proper alignment and set-up accuracy. You will need to remain very still during the treatment so that the radiation reaches only the area where it is needed and the same area is treated each time. You don not have to hold your breath. Just breathe normally.

The machines used for radiation treatments are very large, and they make noises as they move around to aim at the treatment area from different angles. Their size and motion may be frightening at first. However, the machines are being moved and controlled by the Radiation Therapist. They are checked constantly to be sure that they are working right. If you are concerned about anything that happens in the treatment room, ask the Therapist, to explain.

How many days will I need to come for treatment?
Radiation therapy treatments are given every weekday, Monday through Friday for a specific period of weeks (depending on your disease, site of treatment, and aim of treatment) as determined by the Radiation Oncologist. There may be an occasion where a treatment day is skipped (such as a holiday), or a rest period ordered by the Radiation Oncologist. Otherwise, it is important that you receive your treatments each day.

What will I feel during the treatment?
Nothing! Just as when you receive a chest X-ray or CT scan, you will experience no pain or other sensation during the actual radiation treatment. You may hear a slight hum when the radiation beam is on.

Will I have any side effects from the treatment?
The side effects vary from person to person and depend greatly on the area that is being treated, the type and extent of the cancer, and whether or not other types of treatment have been given. During your consultation, your Radiation Oncologist will discuss with you possible side effects and will monitor you closely during the treatment course.

You should contact your Radiation Oncologist or the oncology nurse if you have any unusual symptoms during your treatment, such as coughing, sweating, fever, or unusual pain. Most side effects that occur during radiation, although unpleasant, are not serious and can be controlled with medication or diet. They usually go away within a few weeks after treatment ends. However, some side effects can last longer. Many patients have no side effects at all.

Do I have any special restrictions during the treatments?
In general, you will be able to maintain your normal schedule of activities during the treatments including working, exercise, driving and any other activities that you may enjoy. You are encouraged to remain as active as usually are, although you may find the need to moderate certain activities if you are experiencing fatigue. Again, any restrictions for your specific treatment will be directed by your Radiation Oncologist. It is also important for you to know that when you are treated with external beam radiation therapy, at no time are you “radioactive” and you pose no danger to anyone else.

What if I have questions during treatment?
You will meet at regular intervals with our oncology nurses and your Radiation Oncologist, who will monitor your progress during treatments and can make any necessary interventions or answer any new questions that you may have. You may have routine blood tests to check the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, which may be lower than normal during treatment. In addition, weekly verification films will also be taken and approved by your Radiation Oncologist. At other times, any specific concerns or questions that you have can be transmitted to the Radiation Oncologist by the Radiation Therapists or Oncology nurses who you will see daily for your treatments.

What happens after the radiation treatments are complete?
You will be seen for follow-up visits with the Radiation Oncologist at certain intervals that will be determined after your treatment. During these visits you will be evaluated for normal tissue repair and an assessment of status will be made by physical examination. In addition, you should also make regular, routine appointments to follow-up with your family physician, surgeon, and/or medical oncologist.

For more information, please call the Cancer Resource Line at 630-856-7526.