What to do after radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy in oncology. Consequences of radiation therapy. What dose of radiation

Ionizing radiation is used to treat tumor diseases and a number of other ailments (for example, erysipelas, some dystrophic lesions of the musculoskeletal system, thrombophlebitis, syringomyelia). This area of ​​medicine is the most important, and often the only method of treating malignant neoplasms. Radiotherapy is used for both radical and palliative purposes. According to statistics, half of all cancer patients require treatment with ionizing radiation. Despite the significant risk of possible complications, radiation therapy is considered in oncology one of the most effective methods of combating tumor tissue. It is this effect that can provide regional control over the tumor and eliminate the dissemination of atypical cells. Radiation therapy is used at any stage of cancer patient management as an independent isolated treatment or in combination with other areas (surgery, chemotherapy).

History of the development of the method

The beginning of radiation oncology is considered to be 1895, when V. Roentgen discovered X-rays. They could cause certain compounds to glow, penetrate objects that do not transmit visible light, and ionize matter.

Subsequently, the property of X-rays to cause destruction of living tissue was described. Since that time, they have been used in areas of medicine where cellular damage was the desired effect, mainly radiation therapy for cancer and other malignancies. The founders of such innovative techniques are considered to be the French doctors E. Besnier and A. Danlos.

Later they began to work not only with X-ray ionization, but also with other types of radiation. Radiology began to operate with the concepts of “exposure and absorbed dose,” “dose rate,” and “activity of a radioactive substance,” and ionizing radiation began to be fragmented. Thus, by changing the physical characteristics of the rays, doctors learned to influence pathological foci of various locations.

Currently, radiotherapy is high technology, relying not only on the medical aspects of ionization, but also on physical, biological and radiochemical approaches to treating patients.

Basic ionizing rays

Ionizing radio radiation is a powerful flow of energy with a high frequency and short wavelength. When interacting with the tissues of a living organism, it transforms neutral atoms and ions into charged particles.

Ionizing rays can be:

• quantum or photonic (x-rays, gamma rays, bremsstrahlung);
• corpuscular (flows of elementary particles and decay products of radionuclides).

X-rays are beams whose power is sufficient to create a maximum dose on the surface of the body and at shallow depths. In this regard, they are used in the treatment of superficial formations.

Gamma rays are a derivative of the decay of radionuclides. Compared to X-rays, they penetrate deeper into the tissue, which reduces skin irradiation when exposed to a pathological focus.

There is a type of X-rays called bremsstrahlung. It is obtained using special linear accelerators and gives a completely different dose distribution. Maximum ionization occurs at a depth of 1 to 6 cm, depending on the energy power. In this case, there is practically no danger of radiation damage to superficial tissues.

An electron beam maximally ionizes particles at a depth of 1-3 cm, so it is mainly used for irradiating superficial pathological foci. A feature of this radiation is the lack of clarity of the boundaries of the directional flow due to the rapid dispersion of the electrodes.

Protons and heavy ions, on the contrary, pass through tissues in almost a straight line and are not scattered. This allows you to influence the tumor without significant destruction of nearby intact tissues.

Effect of ionizing radiation

When an ionizing energy flow enters tissue, it transforms cell molecules and creates a large number of differently charged ions. The type of radiation and its power determine the density of such ionization. Highly active charged particles change the primary biochemical reactions of molecules, the bonds between elements are broken, and free radicals are formed. They trigger redox processes in cells, change the structure of their molecules, disrupt tissue respiration and the functioning of enzyme systems, and inhibit protein synthesis. All this leads to cell death.

Some of the atypical cells that have received a dose of radiation have the ability to recover. The reason for this may be the low radiosensitivity of the pathological element and inadequate selection of the type of radiation, as well as its characteristics.

Susceptibility of atypical cells to irradiation

The radiation therapy method is designed to damage the pathological focus as much as possible while minimally affecting healthy tissue. Under the influence of ionizing radiation, morphological changes occur in the tumor. They can be different - from moderate degenerative phenomena to complete necrosis. This is due to the fact that not all cells of the pathological focus have the same radiosensitivity. Therefore, the therapeutic effect is achieved by delivering beams of ionizing radiation with different characteristics.

The radiosensitivity of tissues can change under the influence of external and internal factors. The main components of cell susceptibility to destruction under the influence of ionizing radiation are:

• initial radiosensitivity. The reaction to ionizing radiation of different organs also differs from each other. Thus, the most sensitive to radiation therapy are hematopoietic tissue, intestinal mucosa, epithelium of the gonads and skin;
• tumor oxygenation. Zones of hypoxia in the tumor focus (usually due to its excessive growth) are subject to gross destruction and total cell death;
• restoration of radiation damage. During the first 2-6 hours after the irradiation session, some cells are capable of repair. With repeated irradiation, this activity decreases significantly;
• repopulation. In some cases, tumor tissue accelerates its reproduction. This often occurs after surgical removal of part of the cells. Such uncontrolled growth is usually accompanied by the development of radioresistance;
• phases of the cell cycle. The most resistant to ionizing radiation are cells in the phase of DNA synthesis and so-called resting cells, when they do not divide;
• degree of cell atypia. Poorly differentiated cells are more radiosensitive than highly differentiated tissue.

To achieve complete destruction of tumor elements and preserve the viability of surrounding tissues, radiologists resort to a whole range of additional methods of artificial transformation of radiosensitivity. These include oxybaroradiotherapy, hypoxiaradiotherapy, hyperthermia, the use of electron-acceptor substances, erythropoietins, drugs that affect the blood flow of the tumor, the combined use of ionizing radiation and chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy methods

They are classified depending on the location of the radiation source in relation to the patient. The following types of radiotherapy are distinguished:

• remote, when the radiation source is located at a distance from the patient. There are static and moving options for external beam radiotherapy;
• contact (brachytherapy). In this case, the radiation source is in direct contact with the pathological focus. Brachytherapy can be application, intracavitary, intraluminal, interstitial;
• systemic, or radionuclide. This method involves selective delivery of the required dose of radiation to a specific target organ while affecting the entire body. More often used for oncological diseases of the blood.

Radiotherapy structure

A course of radiation therapy can be prescribed only after a comprehensive examination of the patient. This approach allows you to adequately assess the potential risks and benefits of the planned treatment, as well as correctly draw up an irradiation regimen. The decision on the need for radiotherapy is made collectively with the participation of oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons, doctors of other specialties (otorhinolaryngologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, hematologist, and so on).

The use of ionization for therapeutic purposes fulfills its objectives only if the entire tumor is irradiated at the required dose in the optimal time frame.

Radiotherapy is used for radical or palliative treatment. The first involves the complete destruction of the pathological focus. In combination therapy, ionizing radiation is prescribed at the preoperative stage to reduce the size of the formation. In the postoperative period, radical therapy is intended to eliminate the atypical cells remaining after surgery. There is the option of irradiation directly at the moment when the operation takes place (intraoperative exposure). The palliative nature of treatment is intended to prolong the patient's life, improve its quality and alleviate human suffering.

Contraindications to radiotherapy are:

• exhausted condition of the patient;
• acute inflammatory process;
• active pulmonary tuberculosis;
• pregnancy;
• low levels of blood cells and hemoglobin;
• decompensated somatic diseases;
• acute cerebrovascular accident or acute coronary syndrome suffered over the past six months.

The main principle of radiation therapy is uniform irradiation of the pathological focus with a dose necessary for total cell death in it, subject to minimal impact on surrounding tissues and the body as a whole. There are special rules for radiotherapy that determine the most rational treatment tactics for a particular patient. They are compiled on the basis of a comprehensive examination of the patient and take into account both the characteristics of the body and the characteristics of the tumor itself (histology, location, growth rate, stage, and so on). An individual patient management plan is written for the entire course of radiation, which includes pre-radiation, radiation and post-radiation periods.

Pre-radiation period

The stage before the start of therapy contains comprehensive preparation of the patient for radiation. It provides psychological assistance to the patient, explaining to him the indications for this type of treatment, the effectiveness of the method and possible complications. A nutrition plan and regimen that must be followed during and after the procedure must be discussed. Separately, the patient is introduced to the stages of subsequent rehabilitation.

In addition, general strengthening therapy is carried out - they prescribe sanitation of irradiated lesions, normalize blood counts, and add vitamins if necessary.

Technical preparation in the pre-radiation period is also extremely important. It consists of a detailed description of the planned irradiation - the choice of the position of the patient and the method of immobilization, determination of the irradiated volumes, the method of visualizing the lesion, and so on.

The irradiated area is visualized using the following methods:

• examination during surgical revision;
• ultrasound examination;
• tomography (computer, magnetic resonance, positron emission, single-photon emission).

Imaging should be performed under conditions as close as possible to the process of future radiation therapy (identical position, same breathing intensity, same bladder filling volume, and so on). After obtaining topometric data, it is necessary to determine the parameters of the irradiated lesion - linear dimensions, area, shape, volume, localization, proximity of vital structures.

Having combined all the data obtained about the tumor process, the attending physician, using a specialized computer program, draws up a topographic-anatomical map. This helps to determine the main parameters of radiation (type, method, power, dose, modifications, combinations).

Radiation period

Includes ionizing radiation sessions directly. At this time, it is extremely important to monitor the general condition of the patient, blood picture, local status of the irradiated area and correct radiation complications.

Directly during the procedure, it is necessary to ensure maximum immobilization of the patient and accuracy of the ionization beam. Additionally, it is necessary to establish auditory-speech contact so that, if necessary, communication can be established between the patient and the doctor who is conducting the radiotherapy session.

Visualization of the pathological focus should also be carried out during the radiation period. This is due to the possibility of tumor displacement due to a decrease in its volume, weight loss, filling of neighboring organs, and so on. Visual control of the formation allows timely adjustment of the radiation installation settings.

Today, such a direction of radiation therapy as radiosurgery has become widely used. The technique consists of a single massive impact of ionizing rays on the pathological focus. For these purposes, modern stereoscopic navigation systems are used.

Post-radiation period

After completion of radiation therapy sessions, the post-radiation period begins. At this stage, the main complications of radiotherapy appear. They can be:

• early, occurring within 3 months after irradiation. Most often, the cause is a violation of tissue regeneration and a disorder of regional blood flow;
• late. They appear 3 months after completion of radiotherapy sessions and are caused by the maximum radiation dose. Their development is associated with the destruction of the endothelium and the depletion of the supply of germ cells in healthy tissues.

Early complications are divided into general and local manifestations. The former include dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, inhibition of hematopoiesis, increased blood pressure, general fatigue, and others. Local reactions are reduced to changes in the skin and mucous membranes in the irradiation zone. Early complications usually resolve on their own.

Late effects of radiation therapy are associated with extreme ionization doses. A complication of this kind does not resolve without medical intervention and tends to progress. The main late radiation complications are:

• skin atrophy, alopecia, ulcers, secondary cancer and other skin neoplasms;
• pneumofibrosis;
• enteritis, erosion of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
• pericarditis, myocarditis;
• corneal ulcers, retinal detachment;
• demyelinating processes of the brain and spinal cord, leukoencephalopathy;
• erosive and ulcerative lesions of the bladder;
• gonadopathies;
• delayed growth and development in children.

A correctly selected radiotherapy regimen significantly reduces the likelihood of early and late complications of radiation therapy.

There cannot be the same radiation therapy regimen. It differs from patient to patient and depends on many factors. Thus, depending on the type of cancer, there are different radiation plans. The radiation therapy regimen is also influenced by the condition of the body, the patient’s age, past experience with radiation, and the size and location of the tumor.

Only with so-called radiosurgery interventions is one-time exposure to radiation performed. Otherwise, the radiation oncologist almost always gives the required dose of radiation not at once, but divides it into several sessions. This is because healthy cells recover from the damaging effects of radiation better and faster than cancer cells. Fractionated irradiation, as it is called in medical professional parlance, thus gives healthy cells time to recover before the next session. This reduces the side effects and consequences of radiation therapy.

How long does a course of radiation therapy last?

In conventional fractionated radiotherapy, the patient is irradiated from Monday to Friday, respectively, once a day - for five to eight weeks. Weekends are free. If two or three times of radiation are given during the day, radiologists talk about hyperfractionation. It may be appropriate for some tumors. On the contrary, for other types of cancer, fewer sessions per week are sufficient. In these cases we talk about hypofractionation.

To ensure that the radiation oncologist always accurately hits the irradiation area during individual sessions, the doctor uses special paint to make marks on the patient’s skin. It is important not to wash off these marks until the radiation treatment is finished.

How long does radiation therapy last for individual treatment sessions?

In most cases, radiation therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. Typically, a session lasts from 15 to 45 minutes. Most of this time is occupied by the correct positioning and installation of the radiation device, because it is necessary to recreate the patient’s previous position with extreme accuracy. That is why the doctor asks not to wash off the marker marks on the skin. Sometimes small tattoos are applied in these places, the absolute accuracy of the irradiation is so important. The irradiation itself lasts only a few minutes (from one to five). During the session, medical personnel must leave the room for treatment, this is prescribed by the radiation protection instructions. However, the patient has eye contact with the doctor through the window and can usually also talk to him through the intercom.

How is radiation therapy performed?

The doctor describes the radiation therapy plan in detail, calculates the radiation dose per course (total) and per session, determines the number of sessions, their duration, and the break between them. Usually the patient gets acquainted with this scheme and asks questions that concern him.

Tips for undergoing radiation therapy.

1. Clothing should be loose, with an open collar, and not restrict movement. Sometimes the patient is offered disposable hospital clothing.
2. The patient can be secured during the procedure using special devices (masks, belts, mattresses, fastenings). This is necessary so that it does not move. The fixing devices do not cause discomfort.
3. Healthy organs and tissues are protected with special screens (blocks)
4. Sometimes a control photograph is taken before the procedure to ensure that the patient is in the correct position.
5. Remember that the first session usually lasts longer than subsequent ones.
6. Do not blow dry your hair while undergoing radiation therapy.
7. When leaving the house, you should protect exposed areas from the sun, but you should not apply sunscreen. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, gloves, and sunglasses.
8. Physical activity is contraindicated during irradiation.
9. During treatment, try to go outside when the sun has already set.
10. Drink more fluids.

How is radiation therapy done?

The patient is placed on a special transforming table that can move. It is very important not to move during a radiation therapy session. Even the smallest changes in body position can cause the beams to no longer optimally reach the tumor and instead damage surrounding healthy tissue. This is especially critical, for example, during radiation therapy for a brain tumor.

However, for many people, lying completely still is not possible, even for a couple of minutes. For this reason, doctors sometimes immobilize the patient or area of ​​the body that will be exposed to radiation. Although this is often unpleasant, it protects healthy organs and greatly contributes to the success of treatment. The patient does not feel anything from the radiation itself during the therapy session. After the last session, the doctor examines his patient again and conducts a detailed final conversation with him. This includes, for example, skin care, necessary follow-up examinations, nutrition after radiation therapy and recommendations for recovery and correction of future lifestyle.

There is probably no more terrible disease today than cancer. This disease does not look at age or status. He mercilessly mows down everyone. Modern methods of treating tumors are quite effective if the disease is detected in the early stages. However, cancer treatment also has a negative side. For example, radiation therapy, the side effects of which sometimes have high health risks.

Benign and malignant tumors

A tumor is a pathological formation in tissues and organs that grows rapidly, causing fatal harm to organs and tissues. All neoplasms can be divided into benign and malignant.

Benign tumor cells are not much different from healthy cells. They grow slowly and do not spread beyond their source. They are much simpler and easier to treat. They are not fatal to the body.

Malignant tumor cells are structurally different from normal healthy cells. Cancer grows quickly, affecting other organs and tissues (metastasizes).

Benign tumors do not cause any particular discomfort to the patient. Malignant ones are accompanied by pain and general exhaustion of the body. The patient loses weight, appetite, interest in life.

Cancer develops in stages. The first and second stages have the most favorable prognosis. The third and fourth stages are the growth of the tumor into other organs and tissues, that is, the formation of metastases. Treatment at this stage is aimed at pain relief and prolonging the patient’s life.

No one is immune from a disease such as cancer. People at particular risk are:

With a genetic predisposition.

With a weakened immune system.

Leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

Working under hazardous working conditions.

Those who have received any mechanical injuries.

For prevention purposes, you need to be examined by a therapist once a year and get tested. For those who are at risk, it is advisable to donate blood for tumor markers. This test helps detect cancer in its early stages.

How is cancer treated?

There are several ways to treat malignant tumors:

Surgery. Basic method. It is used in cases where the tumor is not yet large enough, as well as when there are no metastases (early stages of the disease). Radiation or chemotherapy may be performed first.

Radiation therapy of tumors. Irradiation of cancer cells using a special device. This method is used as an independent method, as well as in combination with other methods.

Chemotherapy. Treating cancer with chemicals. Used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery to reduce the size of the tumor. It is also used to prevent metastasis.

Hormone therapy. Used to treat ovarian, breast and thyroid cancer.



The most effective treatment today is surgical treatment of tumors. The operation has the least number of side effects and gives the patient a greater chance of a healthy life. However, application of the method is not always possible. In such cases, other treatment methods are used. The most common of which is radiation therapy. Although side effects after it cause many health problems, the patient’s chances of recovery are high.

Radiation therapy

It is also called radiotherapy. The method is based on the use of ionizing radiation, which absorbs the tumor and self-destructs. Unfortunately, not all cancers are sensitive to radiation. Therefore, the choice of treatment method should be made after a thorough examination and assessment of all risks for the patient.

Radiation therapy treatment, although effective, has a number of side effects. The main one is the destruction of healthy tissues and cells. Radiation affects not only the tumor, but also neighboring organs. The method of radiation therapy is prescribed in cases where the benefit to the patient is high.



Radium, cobalt, iridium, and cesium are used for radiation. Radiation doses are calculated individually and depend on the characteristics of the tumor.

How is radiation therapy performed?

Radiotherapy can be carried out in several ways:

1. Irradiation at a distance.

   Contact irradiation.

   Intracavitary irradiation (a radioactive source is introduced into an organ with a neoplasm).

   Interstitial irradiation (a radioactive source is injected into the tumor itself).

Radiation therapy is used:

after surgery (to remove residual tumor formation);

before surgery (to reduce tumor size);

during the development of metastases;

during relapses of the disease.

Thus, the method has three goals:

Radical - complete removal of the tumor.

Palliative - reduction in tumor size.

Symptomatic - elimination of pain symptoms.



Radiation therapy helps cure many malignant tumors. With its help, you can alleviate the suffering of the patient. And also to prolong his life when healing is impossible. For example, radiation therapy to the brain provides the patient with legal capacity, relieves pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

Who is contraindicated for radiation?

As a method of fighting cancer, radiation therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is prescribed only in cases where the benefit to the patient is higher than the risk of complications. For a certain group of people, radiotherapy is generally contraindicated. These include patients who:

Severe anemia, cachexia (sharp loss of strength and exhaustion).

There are diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Radiation therapy of the lungs is contraindicated for cancerous pleurisy.

Renal failure and diabetes mellitus are observed.

There is bleeding associated with the tumor.

There are multiple metastases with deep invasion into organs and tissues.

The blood contains a low number of leukocytes and platelets.

Radiation intolerance (radiation sickness).

For such patients, the course of radiation therapy is replaced by other methods - chemotherapy, surgery (if possible).



It should be noted that those who are indicated for radiation may suffer from side effects in the future. Since ionizing rays damage not only the structure but also healthy cells.

Side effects of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is intense irradiation of the body with radioactive substances. In addition to the fact that this method is very effective in the fight against cancer, it has a whole bunch of side effects.

Radiation therapy has very different reviews from patients. For some, side effects appear after just a few procedures, while for others there are practically no side effects. One way or another, any unpleasant phenomena will disappear after completing the course of radiotherapy.

The most common consequences of the method:

Weakness, headache, dizziness, chills, increased

Disturbed functioning of the digestive system - nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting.

Changes in blood composition, decrease in platelets and leukocytes.

Increased number of heartbeats.

Swelling, dry skin, rashes in areas where radiation was applied.

Hair loss, hearing loss, vision loss.

Minor blood loss is caused by fragility of blood vessels.

This concerns the main negative aspects. After radiation therapy (full completion of the course), the functioning of all organs and systems is restored.

Nutrition and renewal of the body after irradiation

During treatment of tumors, no matter what method, it is necessary to eat properly and balanced. This way you can avoid many unpleasant symptoms of the disease (nausea and vomiting), especially if a course of radiation therapy or chemotherapy is prescribed.

Food should be taken often and in small portions.

Food should be varied, rich and fortified.

For a while, you should avoid foods that contain preservatives, as well as salty, smoked and fatty foods.

It is necessary to limit the consumption of dairy products due to possible lactose intolerance.

Carbonated and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.

Preference should be given to fresh vegetables and fruits.

In addition to proper nutrition, the patient should adhere to the following rules:

Get plenty of rest, especially after the radiation procedures themselves.

Do not take a hot bath, do not use hard sponges, toothbrushes, or decorative cosmetics.

Spend more time outdoors.

Lead a healthy lifestyle.



Radiation therapy has very different reviews from patients. However, without it, successful cancer treatment is impossible. By adhering to simple rules, you can avoid many unpleasant consequences.

For what diseases is RT prescribed?

Radiotherapy is widely used in medicine to treat cancer and some other diseases. depends on the severity of the illness and can be spread over a week or more. One session lasts from 1 to 5 minutes. Used in the fight against tumors that do not contain fluid or cysts (skin cancer, cervical, prostate and breast cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, as well as leukemia and lymphomas).

Most often, radiation therapy is prescribed after surgery or before it in order to reduce the tumor in size and also kill the remaining cancer cells. In addition to malignant tumors, diseases of the nervous system, bones and some others are also treated with the help of radio radiation. Radiation doses in such cases differ from oncological doses.

Repeated radiation therapy

Irradiation of cancer cells is accompanied by simultaneous irradiation of healthy cells. Side effects after RT are not pleasant phenomena. Of course, after canceling the course, the body recovers after some time. However, having received one dose of radiation, healthy tissues are unable to withstand repeated irradiation. If radiotherapy is used a second time, it is possible in emergency cases and at lower doses. The procedure is prescribed when the benefit to the patient outweighs the risks and complications to his health.



If re-irradiation is contraindicated, the oncologist may prescribe hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy in late stages of cancer

The radiotherapy method is used not only to treat cancer, but also to prolong the life of a patient in the final stages of cancer, as well as to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

When the tumor spreads to other tissues and organs (metastasizes), there is no longer a chance of recovery. The only thing that remains is to resign yourself and wait for that “day of judgment”. In this case, radiotherapy:

Reduces and sometimes completely eliminates pain attacks.

Reduces pressure on the nervous system, on bones, maintains capacity.

Reduces blood loss, if any.

Radiation for metastases is prescribed only to the sites of their spread. It should be remembered that radiation therapy has a variety of side effects. Therefore, if the patient is severely depleted and cannot withstand the dose of radiation, this method is not practiced.

Conclusion

The most terrible disease is cancer. The whole insidiousness of the disease is that it can not manifest itself in any way for many years and in just a couple of months can lead to death. Therefore, for the purpose of prevention, it is important to be periodically examined by a specialist. Detection of the disease in the early stages always results in complete healing. One of the effective methods of fighting cancer is radiation therapy. Side effects, although unpleasant, however, completely disappear after discontinuation of the course.

Trying to cure a person of cancer using radiation therapy is akin to trying to cure an alcoholic by prescribing vodka as a medicine. It is impossible to cure a person of cancer by what causes its development in the body.

The harm of radiation therapy to the body is as follows:

• Radiation is a carcinogen, it is one of the body's.
• Radiation causes DNA damage, which causes cancer at the cellular level.
• In almost 100% of cases, radiation therapy leads to the development of recurrent or new cancers in the body in subsequent years.
• Radiation therapy makes cancer cells more aggressive and malignant, and they stop responding to further treatments.
• Radiation therapy does not kill cancer stem cells, which are responsible for the development and growth of cancer in the body.
• Radiation therapy causes healthy cells to become cancer stem cells.
• Radiation therapy damages healthy organs that are nearby.
• Radiation therapy destroys the immune system.
• Radiation therapy causes significant bone loss over subsequent years and the development of osteoporosis.
• Radiation therapy promotes development.
• Radiation therapy can damage nerves, causing numbness and pain.
• Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage the tonsils, causing sores in the throat and mouth.
• Radiation to the stomach and pelvic area damages the intestines.
• Radiation therapy limits reconstructive options for breast reconstruction and can cause significant damage to the heart, lungs, or any other organ nearby.

In addition to the above, radiation therapy has many other harmful consequences for health.

MORE:

The harm of radiation therapy is that radiation causes cancer. Numerous studies, including a 2007 study published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, show that patients who undergo radiation therapy die earlier after surgery than those who receive radiation therapy alone. Ionizing radiation increases cell mutation and this is a proven fact, and cell mutation leads to the development of cancer.

There is no scientific evidence that radiation therapy cures cancer or prolongs the lives of patients.

Radiation is one of the proven causes of cancer, and science is well aware that radiation leads to the development of recurrent cancers and also harms other organs, for example, causing significant bone loss. But while radiation therapy is harmful, it remains the most common “treatment” for breast cancer, following surgical removal of the tumor. Like , radiation therapy may provide a short-term appearance of improvement (reduce tumor size), but in the long term it causes harm to the body. In almost 100% of cases, people who undergo radiation therapy develop second cancers.

Radiation therapy is also harmful because it suppresses the immune system, and the immune system is your first line of defense against cancer, what helps keep it under control. Radiation destroys bone marrow, which is the basis of the immune system. Radiation therapy also harms healthy cells and organs, weakening the body and often damaging it to the point that the patient dies. Radiation therapy destroys the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, heart, nervous system and immune system. And cancer grows and metastasizes when the immune system is destroyed. Survival from cancer directly depends on the strength and functioning of the immune system. If the immune system works well, then the body will heal itself (which it does all the time, because when we are not sick, this is the result of the immune system).

Another extremely dangerous and cancer-causing procedure is undergoing. The use is widespread and often completely unjustified. Medical journals write that the amount of radiation a person receives from undergoing one such examination is enough to trigger a malignant process in the body. justified in cases of serious organ damage from multiple injuries. It is better for healthy people or cancer patients to undergo magnetic resonance imaging, which does not expose a person to radiation and does not cause such harm to health, or PET-CT. Doctors often ask cancer patients to undergo a CT scan during the treatment period and after it during the observation period, which is extremely dangerous for the patient’s health and can itself cause recurrent cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The most important thing to remember about the harms of radiation therapy is that although it may temporarily shrink the tumor, it does not reduce the number of circulating cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are responsible for recurring cancers(sometimes this happens years after doctors declare remission), for the growth of new tumors and metastasis.

The harm of radiation therapy also lies in the fact that it severely damages the immune system, and in order to recover from cancer, the immune system must work at full strength.

Radiation therapy may only be justified if the person has a very fast-growing tumor of an aggressive type of cancer. Then it can be done to temporarily stop the growth of the tumor. After which you should immediately begin alternative and natural methods of treating oncology that do not harm the body, kill cancer cells (including stem cells), restore immunity (without its excellent functioning it is impossible to cure cancer), remove toxins from the body and replenish the deficiency of beneficial vitamins and minerals in the body. German

Instead of exposing yourself to radiation, think about what you can do and change so that the cancer simply can no longer survive in your body.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Contraindications for radiation therapy

Despite the effectiveness radiotherapy ( radiation therapy) in the treatment of tumor diseases, there are a number of contraindications that limit the use of this technique.

Radiotherapy is contraindicated:

• In case of dysfunction of vital organs. During radiation therapy, the body will be exposed to a certain dose of radiation, which can negatively affect the functions of various organs and systems. If the patient already has severe diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, hormonal or other body systems, radiotherapy may aggravate his condition and lead to the development of complications.

• With severe exhaustion of the body. Even with highly precise radiation therapy, a certain dose of radiation reaches and damages healthy cells. To recover from such damage, cells need energy. If the patient’s body is exhausted ( for example, due to damage to internal organs by tumor metastases), radiotherapy may cause more harm than good.
• For anemia. Anemia is a pathological condition characterized by a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells ( red blood cells). When exposed to ionizing radiation, red blood cells can also be destroyed, which will lead to the progression of anemia and may cause complications.
• If radiotherapy has already been performed recently. In this case, we are not talking about repeated courses of radiation treatment for the same tumor, but about the treatment of a different tumor. In other words, if a patient has been diagnosed with cancer of any organ, and radiotherapy was prescribed for its treatment, if another cancer is detected in another organ, radiotherapy cannot be used for at least 6 months after the end of the previous course of treatment. This is explained by the fact that in this case the total radiation exposure to the body will be too high, which can lead to the development of serious complications.
• In the presence of radioresistant tumors. If the first courses of radiation therapy did not give absolutely no positive effect ( that is, the tumor did not decrease in size or even continued to grow), further irradiation of the body is inappropriate.
• If complications develop during treatment. If during a course of radiotherapy the patient experiences complications that pose an immediate danger to his life ( for example bleeding), treatment should be discontinued.
• In the presence of systemic inflammatory diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus). The essence of these diseases is the increased activity of immune system cells against their own tissues, which leads to the development of chronic inflammatory processes in them. Exposure of such tissues to ionizing radiation increases the risk of complications, the most dangerous of which may be the formation of a new malignant tumor.
• If the patient refuses treatment. According to current legislation, no radiation procedure can be performed until the patient gives written consent.

Compatibility of radiation therapy and alcohol

During radiation therapy, it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol, as this can negatively affect the general condition of the patient.

There is a popular belief that ethanol ( ethyl alcohol, which is the active component of all alcoholic beverages) is able to protect the body from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation, and therefore it should be used during radiotherapy. Indeed, a number of studies have found that the introduction of high doses of ethanol into the body increases tissue resistance to radiation by approximately 13%. This is due to the fact that ethyl alcohol disrupts the flow of oxygen into the cell, which is accompanied by a slowdown in the processes of cell division. And the slower a cell divides, the higher its resistance to radiation.

At the same time, it is important to note that in addition to minor positive effects, ethanol also has a number of negative effects. For example, an increase in its concentration in the blood leads to the destruction of many vitamins, which themselves were radioprotectors ( that is, they protected healthy cells from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation). Moreover, many studies have shown that chronic consumption of alcohol in large quantities also increases the risk of developing malignant neoplasms ( in particular tumors of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract). Considering the above, it follows that drinking alcoholic beverages during radiation therapy causes more harm to the body than good.

Is it possible to smoke during radiation therapy?

Smoking is strictly prohibited during radiation therapy. The fact is that tobacco smoke contains many toxic substances ( ethers, alcohols, resins and so on). Many of them have a carcinogenic effect, that is, upon contact with the cells of the human body, they contribute to the occurrence of mutations, the outcome of which can be the development of a malignant tumor. It has been scientifically proven that smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer and bladder cancer.

Taking into account the above, it follows that patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer of any organ are strictly prohibited not only from smoking, but also from being near people who smoke, since carcinogens inhaled during this process can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and contribute to the development of the tumor.

Is it possible to perform radiation therapy during pregnancy?

Radiation therapy during pregnancy can cause intrauterine damage to the fetus. The fact is that the effect of ionizing radiation on any tissue depends on the speed at which cell division occurs in this tissue. The faster the cells divide, the more pronounced the damaging effects of radiation will be. During intrauterine development, the most intense growth of absolutely all tissues and organs of the human body is observed, which is due to the high rate of cell division in them. Consequently, even when exposed to relatively low doses of radiation, the tissues of a growing fetus can be damaged, which will lead to disruption of the structure and functions of internal organs. The outcome depends on the stage of pregnancy at which radiation therapy was performed.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the laying and formation of all internal organs and tissues occurs. If at this stage the developing fetus is irradiated, this will lead to the appearance of pronounced anomalies, which are often incompatible with further existence. This triggers a natural “protective” mechanism, which leads to the cessation of fetal activity and spontaneous abortion ( I'll have a miscarriage).

During the second trimester of pregnancy, most internal organs are already formed, so intrauterine fetal death after irradiation is not always observed. At the same time, ionizing radiation can provoke developmental anomalies of various internal organs ( brain, bones, liver, heart, genitourinary system and so on). Such a child may die immediately after birth if the resulting anomalies turn out to be incompatible with life outside the womb.

If exposure occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby may be born with certain developmental abnormalities that may persist throughout life.

Considering the above, it follows that it is not recommended to perform radiation therapy during pregnancy. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer early in pregnancy ( up to 24 weeks) and radiotherapy is required, the woman is offered an abortion ( abortion) for medical reasons, after which treatment is prescribed. If cancer is detected at a later stage, further tactics are determined depending on the type and rate of tumor development, as well as the wishes of the mother. Most often, such women undergo surgical removal of the tumor ( if possible - for example, for skin cancer). If the treatment does not give positive results, you can induce labor or perform a delivery operation at an earlier date ( after 30 – 32 weeks of pregnancy), and then begin radiation therapy.

Is it possible to sunbathe after radiation therapy?

Sunbathing in the sun or in a solarium is not recommended for at least six months after completing a course of radiotherapy, as this can lead to the development of a number of complications. The fact is that when exposed to solar radiation, many mutations occur in skin cells, which can potentially lead to the development of cancer. However, as soon as a cell mutates, the body's immune system immediately notices this and destroys it, as a result of which cancer does not develop.

During radiation therapy, the number of mutations in healthy cells ( including in the skin through which ionizing radiation passes) can increase significantly, which is due to the negative effect of radiation on the genetic apparatus of the cell. At the same time, the load on the immune system increases significantly ( she has to deal with a large number of mutated cells at the same time). If a person begins to tan in the sun, the number of mutations may increase so much that the immune system cannot cope with its function, as a result of which the patient may develop a new tumor ( for example skin cancer).

What are the dangers of radiation therapy? consequences, complications and side effects)?

During radiotherapy, a number of complications may develop, which may be associated with the effect of ionizing radiation on the tumor itself or on healthy tissues of the body.

Hair loss

Hair loss in the scalp area is observed in most patients who have undergone radiation treatment for tumors in the head or neck area. The cause of hair loss is damage to the cells of the hair follicle. Under normal conditions, it is division ( reproduction) of these cells and determines hair growth in length.
When exposed to radiotherapy, cell division of the hair follicle slows down, as a result of which the hair stops growing, its root weakens and it falls out.

It is worth noting that when other parts of the body are irradiated ( such as legs, chest, back and so on) hair may fall out of the area of ​​the skin through which a large dose of radiation is delivered. After the end of radiation therapy, hair growth resumes on average within a few weeks to months ( if no irreversible damage to the hair follicles occurred during treatment).

Burns after radiation therapy ( radiation dermatitis, radiation ulcer)

When exposed to high doses of radiation, certain changes occur in the skin, which in appearance resemble a burn clinic. In fact, there is no thermal damage to tissues ( like a real burn) is not observed in this case. The mechanism of burn development after radiotherapy is as follows. When skin is irradiated, small blood vessels are damaged, resulting in disruption of microcirculation of blood and lymph in the skin. The delivery of oxygen to the tissues is reduced, which leads to the death of some cells and their replacement with scar tissue. This, in turn, further disrupts the oxygen delivery process, thereby supporting the development of the pathological process.

Skin burns may appear:

• Erythema. This is the least dangerous manifestation of radiation damage to the skin, in which there is dilation of superficial blood vessels and redness of the affected area.
• Dry radiation dermatitis. In this case, an inflammatory process develops in the affected skin. At the same time, many biologically active substances enter the tissues from the dilated blood vessels, which act on special nerve receptors, causing a sensation of itching ( burning, irritation). In this case, scales may form on the surface of the skin.
• Wet radiation dermatitis. With this form of the disease, the skin swells and may become covered with small blisters filled with clear or cloudy liquid. After opening the blisters, small ulcerations form that do not heal for a long time.
• Radiation ulcer. Characterized by necrosis ( death) parts of the skin and deeper tissues. The skin in the area of ​​the ulcer is extremely painful, and the ulcer itself does not heal for a long time, which is due to impaired microcirculation in it.
• Radiation skin cancer. The most severe complication after radiation burn. The formation of cancer is facilitated by cellular mutations resulting from radiation exposure, as well as prolonged hypoxia ( lack of oxygen), developing against the background of microcirculation disorders.
• Skin atrophy. It is characterized by thinning and dry skin, hair loss, impaired sweating and other changes in the affected area of ​​the skin. The protective properties of atrophied skin are sharply reduced, resulting in an increased risk of developing infections.

Itchy skin

As mentioned earlier, exposure to radiation therapy leads to disruption of blood microcirculation in the skin area. In this case, the blood vessels dilate, and the permeability of the vascular wall increases significantly. As a result of these phenomena, the liquid part of the blood passes from the bloodstream into the surrounding tissues, as well as many biologically active substances, which include histamine and serotonin. These substances irritate specific nerve endings located in the skin, resulting in an itching or burning sensation.

To eliminate skin itching, antihistamines can be used, which block the effects of histamine at the tissue level.

Edema

The occurrence of edema in the legs can be caused by the effects of radiation on the tissues of the human body, especially when irradiating abdominal tumors. The fact is that during irradiation, damage to the lymphatic vessels can be observed, through which, under normal conditions, lymph flows from the tissues and flows into the bloodstream. Impaired lymph outflow can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the legs, which will be the direct cause of the development of edema.

Skin swelling during radiotherapy can also be caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. In this case, there is an expansion of the blood vessels of the skin and sweating of the liquid part of the blood into the surrounding tissue, as well as a violation of the outflow of lymph from the irradiated tissue, as a result of which edema develops.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the occurrence of edema may not be associated with the effects of radiotherapy. For example, in advanced cases of cancer, metastases may occur ( distant tumor foci) in various organs and tissues. These metastases ( or the tumor itself) can compress blood and lymphatic vessels, thereby disrupting the outflow of blood and lymph from tissues and provoking the development of edema.

Pain

Pain during radiation therapy can occur in case of radiation damage to the skin. At the same time, in the area of ​​the affected areas there is a violation of blood microcirculation, which leads to oxygen starvation of cells and damage to nerve tissue. All this is accompanied by the occurrence of severe pain, which patients describe as “burning”, “unbearable” pain. This pain syndrome cannot be eliminated with conventional painkillers, and therefore patients are prescribed other treatment procedures ( medicinal and non-medicinal). Their goal is to reduce swelling of affected tissues, as well as restore the patency of blood vessels and normalize microcirculation in the skin. This will help improve the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, which will reduce the severity or completely eliminate pain.

Damage to the stomach and intestines ( nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, diarrhea, constipation)

The cause of dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract ( Gastrointestinal tract) there may be too much radiation dose ( especially when irradiating tumors of internal organs). In this case, there is damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, as well as a violation of the nervous regulation of intestinal peristalsis ( motor skills). In more severe cases, inflammatory processes may develop in the gastrointestinal tract ( gastritis - inflammation of the stomach, enteritis - inflammation of the small intestine, colitis - inflammation of the large intestine, and so on) or even ulcers form. The process of moving intestinal contents and digesting food will be disrupted, which can cause the development of various clinical manifestations.

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract during radiation therapy can manifest itself:

• Nausea and vomiting– associated with delayed gastric emptying due to impaired gastrointestinal motility.
• Diarrhea ( diarrhea) – occurs due to inadequate digestion of food in the stomach and intestines.
• Constipation– can occur with severe damage to the mucous membrane of the large intestine.
• Tenesmus– frequent, painful urge to defecate, during which nothing is released from the intestines ( or a small amount of mucus is produced without stool).
• The appearance of blood in the stool– this symptom may be associated with damage to the blood vessels of the inflamed mucous membranes.
• Abdominal pain– occur due to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammatory lesion of the mucous membrane of the bladder. The cause of the disease may be radiation therapy performed to treat a tumor of the bladder itself or other pelvic organs. At the initial stage of development of radiation cystitis, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed and swollen, but later ( as the radiation dose increases) it atrophies, that is, it becomes thinner and wrinkles. In this case, its protective properties are violated, which contributes to the development of infectious complications.

Clinically, radiation cystitis may manifest itself as a frequent urge to urinate ( during which a small amount of urine is released), the appearance of a small amount of blood in the urine, periodic increases in body temperature, and so on. In severe cases, ulceration or necrosis of the mucous membrane may occur, which may lead to the development of a new cancerous tumor.

Treatment of radiation cystitis involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs ( to eliminate symptoms of the disease) and antibiotics ( to combat infectious complications).

Fistulas

Fistulas are pathological channels through which various hollow organs can communicate with each other or with the environment. The causes of fistula formation can be inflammatory lesions of the mucous membranes of internal organs that develop during radiation therapy. If such lesions are not treated, over time deep ulcers form in the tissues, which gradually destroy the entire wall of the affected organ. The inflammatory process can spread to the tissue of a neighboring organ. Ultimately, the tissues of the two affected organs are “soldered” together, and a hole is formed between them through which their cavities can communicate.

During radiation therapy, fistulas can form:

• between the esophagus and trachea ( or large bronchi);
• between the rectum and vagina;
• honey of the rectum and bladder;
• between intestinal loops;
• between the intestines and the skin;
• between the bladder and the skin and so on.

Lung damage after radiation therapy ( pneumonia, fibrosis)

With prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, inflammatory processes can develop in the lungs ( pneumonia, pneumonitis). In this case, ventilation of the affected areas of the lungs will be disrupted and fluid will begin to accumulate in them. This will manifest itself as a cough, a feeling of shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes hemoptysis ( producing a small amount of blood in sputum when coughing).

If these pathologies are not treated, over time this will lead to the development of complications, in particular to the replacement of normal lung tissue with scar or fibrous tissue ( that is, to the development of fibrosis). Fibrous tissue is impermeable to oxygen, as a result of which its growth will be accompanied by the development of oxygen deficiency in the body. The patient will begin to experience a feeling of lack of air, and the frequency and depth of his breathing will increase ( that is, shortness of breath will appear).

If pneumonia develops, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs are prescribed, as well as agents that improve blood circulation in the lung tissue and thereby prevent the development of fibrosis.

Cough

Cough is a common complication of radiation therapy in cases where the chest is exposed to radiation. In this case, ionizing radiation affects the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree, as a result of which it becomes thinner and dry. At the same time, its protective functions are significantly weakened, which increases the risk of developing infectious complications. During the process of breathing, dust particles, which usually settle on the surface of the moist mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, can penetrate into the smaller bronchi and get stuck there. At the same time, they will irritate special nerve endings, which will activate the cough reflex.

Expectorants may be prescribed to treat cough during radiation therapy ( increasing mucus production in the bronchi) or procedures that promote hydration of the bronchial tree ( for example, inhalations).

Bleeding

Bleeding can develop as a result of the effect of radiotherapy on a malignant tumor growing into large blood vessels. During radiation therapy, the size of the tumor may decrease, which may be accompanied by thinning and a decrease in the strength of the wall of the affected vessel. A rupture of this wall will lead to bleeding, the location and volume of which will depend on the location of the tumor itself.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the cause of bleeding can also be the effect of radiation on healthy tissue. As mentioned earlier, when healthy tissues are irradiated, blood microcirculation is disrupted. As a result, the blood vessels can dilate or even become damaged, and some of the blood will be released into the environment, which can cause bleeding. According to the described mechanism, bleeding can develop due to radiation damage to the lungs, mucous membranes of the oral cavity or nose, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary organs, and so on.

Dry mouth

This symptom develops when tumors located in the head and neck area are irradiated. In this case, ionizing radiation affects the salivary glands ( parotid, sublingual and submandibular). This is accompanied by a disruption in the production and release of saliva into the oral cavity, as a result of which its mucous membrane becomes dry and hard.

Due to lack of saliva, taste perception is also impaired. This is explained by the fact that in order to determine the taste of a particular product, particles of the substance must be dissolved and delivered to the taste buds located deep in the papillae of the tongue. If there is no saliva in the oral cavity, the food product cannot reach the taste buds, as a result of which a person’s taste perception is disrupted or even distorted ( the patient may constantly experience a bitter feeling or a metallic taste in the mouth).

Dental damage

During radiation therapy for oral tumors, teeth darken and their strength is impaired, as a result of which they begin to crumble or even break. Also due to impaired blood supply to the dental pulp ( the inner tissue of the tooth, consisting of blood vessels and nerves) the metabolism in the teeth is disrupted, which increases their fragility. Moreover, disruption of saliva production and blood supply to the oral mucosa and gums leads to the development of oral infections, which also adversely affects dental tissue, contributing to the development and progression of caries.

Temperature increase

An increase in body temperature can be observed in many patients both during the course of radiation therapy and for several weeks after its completion, which is considered absolutely normal. At the same time, sometimes an increase in temperature may indicate the development of severe complications, as a result of which, if this symptom appears, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

An increase in temperature during radiation therapy may be due to:

• The effectiveness of treatment. During the destruction of tumor cells, various biologically active substances are released from them, which enter the blood and reach the central nervous system, where they stimulate the thermoregulation center. The temperature can rise to 37.5 - 38 degrees.
• The effects of ionizing radiation on the body. When tissues are irradiated, a large amount of energy is transferred to them, which can also be accompanied by a temporary increase in body temperature. Moreover, a local increase in skin temperature may be due to the expansion of blood vessels in the area of ​​irradiation and the influx of “hot” blood into them.
• The main disease. With most malignant tumors, patients experience a constant increase in temperature to 37 - 37.5 degrees. This phenomenon may persist throughout the course of radiotherapy, as well as for several weeks after the end of treatment.
• Development of infectious complications. When the body is irradiated, its protective properties are significantly weakened, resulting in an increased risk of infections. The development of infection in any organ or tissue may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 38 - 39 degrees and above.

Decrease in leukocytes and hemoglobin in the blood

After radiation therapy, there may be a decrease in the concentration of leukocytes and hemoglobin in the patient’s blood, which is associated with the effect of ionizing radiation on the red bone marrow and other organs.

Under normal conditions, leukocytes ( cells of the immune system that protect the body from infections) are formed in the red bone marrow and lymph nodes, after which they are released into the peripheral bloodstream and perform their functions there. Red blood cells are also produced in the red bone marrow ( red blood cells), which contain the substance hemoglobin. It is hemoglobin that has the ability to bind oxygen and transport it to all tissues of the body.

Radiation therapy may expose the red bone marrow to radiation, causing cell division to slow down. In this case, the rate of formation of leukocytes and red blood cells may be disrupted, as a result of which the concentration of these cells and the level of hemoglobin in the blood will decrease. After cessation of radiation exposure, normalization of peripheral blood parameters can occur within several weeks or even months, which depends on the received dose of radiation and the general condition of the patient’s body.

Menstruation during radiation therapy

The regularity of the menstrual cycle may be disrupted during radiation therapy, depending on the area and intensity of radiation.

The period may be affected by:

• Irradiation of the uterus. In this case, there may be a violation of blood circulation in the area of ​​the uterine mucosa, as well as increased bleeding. This may be accompanied by the release of large amounts of blood during menstruation, the duration of which may also be increased.
• Irradiation of the ovaries. Under normal conditions, the course of the menstrual cycle, as well as the appearance of menstruation, is controlled by female sex hormones produced in the ovaries. When these organs are irradiated, their hormone-producing function may be disrupted, resulting in various menstrual cycle disorders ( until the disappearance of menstruation).
• Irradiation of the head. In the head area is the pituitary gland, a gland that controls the activity of all other glands of the body, including the ovaries. When the pituitary gland is irradiated, its hormone-producing function may be disrupted, which will lead to dysfunction of the ovaries and disruption of the menstrual cycle.

Can cancer recur after radiation therapy?

Relapse ( re-development of the disease) can be observed during radiation therapy for any form of cancer. The fact is that during radiotherapy, doctors irradiate various tissues of the patient’s body, trying to destroy all the tumor cells that could be located in them. At the same time, it is worth remembering that it is never possible to exclude the possibility of metastasis 100%. Even with radical radiation therapy performed according to all the rules, 1 single tumor cell can survive, as a result of which, over time, it will again turn into a malignant tumor. That is why, after completing the treatment course, all patients should be regularly examined by a doctor. This will allow a possible relapse to be identified in time and promptly treated, thereby prolonging a person’s life.

A high likelihood of relapse may be indicated by:

• presence of metastases;
• tumor growth into neighboring tissues;
• low efficiency of radiotherapy;
• late start of treatment;
• incorrect treatment;
• exhaustion of the body;
• presence of relapses after previous courses of treatment;
• patient's failure to comply with doctor's recommendations ( If the patient continues to smoke, drink alcohol or be exposed to direct sunlight during treatment, the risk of cancer recurrence increases several times).

Is it possible to get pregnant and have children after radiation therapy?

The effect of radiation therapy on the possibility of bearing a fetus in the future depends on the type and location of the tumor, as well as on the dose of radiation received by the body.

The possibility of bearing and giving birth to a child may be affected by:

• Irradiation of the uterus. If the purpose of radiotherapy was to treat a large tumor of the body or cervix, at the end of treatment the organ itself may be so deformed that pregnancy cannot develop.
• Irradiation of the ovaries. As mentioned earlier, with tumor or radiation damage to the ovaries, the production of female sex hormones may be disrupted, as a result of which a woman will not be able to become pregnant and/or bear a fetus on her own. At the same time, hormone replacement therapy can help solve this problem.
• Pelvic irradiation. Irradiation of a tumor that is not associated with the uterus or ovaries, but is located in the pelvic cavity, can also create difficulties when planning a pregnancy in the future. The fact is that as a result of radiation exposure, the mucous membrane of the fallopian tubes can be damaged. As a result of this, the process of fertilization of the egg ( female reproductive cell) sperm ( male reproductive cell) will become impossible. The problem can be solved by in vitro fertilization, during which germ cells are combined in a laboratory outside the woman’s body and then placed in her uterus, where they continue to develop.
• Irradiation of the head. When irradiating the head, the pituitary gland may be damaged, which will disrupt the hormonal activity of the ovaries and other glands of the body. You can also try to solve the problem with hormone replacement therapy.
• Disruption of vital organs and systems. If during radiation therapy the functions of the heart are impaired or the lungs are damaged ( for example, severe fibrosis has developed), a woman may experience difficulties during pregnancy. The fact is that during pregnancy ( especially in the 3rd trimester) the load on the cardiovascular and respiratory system of the expectant mother increases significantly, which, in the presence of severe concomitant diseases, can cause the development of dangerous complications. Such women should be constantly monitored by an obstetrician-gynecologist and take supportive therapy. They are also not recommended to give birth through the birth canal ( The method of choice is delivery via cesarean section at 36–37 weeks of pregnancy).

It is also worth noting that the time elapsed from the end of radiation therapy to the onset of pregnancy is of no small importance. The fact is that the tumor itself, as well as the treatment carried out, significantly deplete the female body, as a result of which it needs time to restore energy reserves. That is why it is recommended to plan pregnancy no earlier than six months after treatment and only in the absence of signs of metastasis or relapse ( re-development) cancer.

Is radiation therapy dangerous for others?

During radiation therapy, a person does not pose a danger to others. Even after irradiation of tissues with large doses of ionizing radiation, they ( fabrics) do not emit this radiation into the environment. An exception to this rule is contact interstitial radiotherapy, during which radioactive elements can be installed in human tissue ( in the form of small balls, needles, staples or threads). This procedure is performed only in a specially equipped room. After installation of radioactive elements, the patient is placed in a special room, the walls and doors of which are covered with radioprotective screens. He must remain in this ward throughout the entire course of treatment, that is, until the radioactive substances are removed from the affected organ ( the procedure usually takes several days or weeks).

Access of medical personnel to such a patient will be strictly limited in time. Relatives can visit the patient, but before doing so they will need to wear special protective suits that will prevent radiation from affecting their internal organs. At the same time, children or pregnant women, as well as patients with existing tumor diseases of any organs, will not be allowed into the ward, since even minimal exposure to radiation can negatively affect their condition.

Once the radiation sources are removed from the body, the patient can return to daily life the same day. It will not pose any radioactive threat to others.

Recovery and rehabilitation after radiation therapy

During radiation therapy, a number of recommendations should be followed that will save the body's strength and ensure maximum effectiveness of the treatment.

Diet ( nutrition) during and after radiation therapy

When drawing up a menu during radiation therapy, one should take into account the peculiarities of the influence of ionizing radiation on the tissues and organs of the digestive system.

During radiation therapy you should:

• Eat well processed foods. During radiotherapy ( especially when irradiating the gastrointestinal tract) damage occurs to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract - the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines. They can become thinner, inflamed, and become extremely sensitive to damage. That is why one of the main conditions for preparing food is its high-quality mechanical processing. It is recommended to avoid hard, coarse or tough foods that could damage the oral mucosa during chewing, as well as the esophageal or gastric mucosa when swallowing a bolus. Instead, it is recommended to consume all foods in the form of cereals, purees, and so on. Also, the food consumed should not be too hot, as this can easily cause a burn to the mucous membrane.
• Consume high-calorie foods. During radiation therapy, many patients complain of nausea and vomiting that occurs immediately after eating. That is why such patients are recommended to consume small amounts of food at a time. The products themselves must contain all the necessary nutrients to provide the body with energy.
• Eat 5-7 times a day. As mentioned earlier, patients are advised to eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours, which will reduce the likelihood of vomiting.
• Drink enough water. In the absence of contraindications ( for example, severe heart disease or edema caused by a tumor or radiation therapy) the patient is recommended to drink at least 2.5 - 3 liters of water per day. This will help cleanse the body and remove byproducts of tumor decay from the tissues.
• Eliminate carcinogens from your diet. Carcinogens are substances that can increase the risk of developing cancer. During radiation therapy, they should be excluded from the diet, which will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Nutrition during radiation therapy

What can you use?
cooked meat; wheat porridge; oatmeal; rice porridge; buckwheat porridge; mashed potatoes; boiled chicken eggs ( 1 – 2 per day); cottage cheese; fresh milk ; butter ( about 50 grams per day); baked apples ; walnuts ( 3 – 4 per day); natural honey; mineral water ( without gases); jelly.	fried food ( carcinogen); fatty foods ( carcinogen); smoked food ( carcinogen); spicy food ( carcinogen); salty food; strong coffee ; alcoholic drinks ( carcinogen); carbonated drinks; fast food ( including porridge and instant noodles); vegetables and fruits containing a large amount of dietary fiber ( mushrooms, dried fruits, beans and so on).

Vitamins for radiation therapy

When exposed to ionizing radiation, certain changes can also occur in the cells of healthy tissues ( their genetic apparatus may be destroyed). Also, the mechanism of cell damage is due to the formation of so-called free oxygen radicals, which aggressively affect all intracellular structures, leading to their destruction. The cell dies.

Over the course of many years of research, it was found that some vitamins have so-called antioxidant properties. This means that they can bind free radicals inside cells, thereby blocking their destructive effect. The use of such vitamins during radiation therapy ( in moderate doses) increases the body's resistance to radiation, without compromising the quality of the treatment provided.

They have antioxidant properties:

• some trace elements ( for example, selenium).

Is it possible to drink red wine during radiation therapy?

Red wine contains a number of vitamins, minerals and trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of many body systems. It has been scientifically proven that drinking 1 glass ( 200 ml) red wine per day helps normalize metabolism and also improves the removal of toxic products from the body. All this undoubtedly has a positive effect on the condition of the patient undergoing radiation therapy.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that abuse of this drink can negatively affect the cardiovascular system and many internal organs, increasing the risk of complications during and after radiation therapy.

Why are antibiotics prescribed during radiation therapy?

When irradiation is carried out, cells of the immune system are affected, as a result of which the body's defenses are weakened. Along with damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the respiratory and genitourinary systems, this can contribute to the emergence and development of many bacterial infections. Antibacterial therapy may be necessary to treat them. At the same time, it is worth remembering that antibiotics destroy not only pathogenic, but also normal microorganisms that live, for example, in the intestines of a healthy person and take an active part in the digestion process. That is why, after completing a course of radiotherapy and antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to take drugs that restore intestinal microflora.

Why are CT and MRI prescribed after radiation therapy?

CT ( CT scan) and MRI ( Magnetic resonance imaging) are diagnostic procedures that allow detailed examination of certain areas of the human body. Using these techniques, you can not only identify a tumor, determine its size and shape, but also monitor the process of treatment, noting weekly certain changes in the tumor tissue. For example, with the help of CT and MRI, it is possible to detect an increase or decrease in the size of a tumor, its growth into neighboring organs and tissues, the appearance or disappearance of distant metastases, and so on.

It is worth considering that during a CT scan, the human body is exposed to a small amount of X-ray radiation. This introduces certain restrictions on the use of this technique, especially during radiation therapy, when the radiation load on the body must be strictly dosed. At the same time, MRI is not accompanied by irradiation of tissues and does not cause any changes in them, as a result of which it can be performed daily ( or even more often), presenting absolutely no danger to the patient's health.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.