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Radiation for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer treatment can take many different forms with radiation therapy being one of the most commonly-utilized. At Sound Cancer Care, we are committed to providing the best care for our patients, and radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against lung cancer.
Types of Radiation Treatments for Lung Cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. The aim of radiation therapy for lung cancer is to damage the DNA inside cancer cells, which stops them from growing and dividing. Over the course of several treatments, the cells receive enough damage that they die, after which the body naturally gets rid of them.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced radiation treatment for lung cancer that delivers highly precise radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, such as the lungs, heart, and esophagus. By shaping and modulating the radiation beams, IMRT effectively targets the tumor while reducing the risk of damage to critical organs.
This precision allows for higher radiation doses to be delivered to the tumor, improving treatment effectiveness while lowering the likelihood of side effects. IMRT techniques can also adapt to tumor movement caused by breathing, further enhancing accuracy.
While this approach significantly reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissues, some side effects may still occur, including fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort, and skin irritation in the treated area. IMRT is often recommended for patients with locally advanced lung cancer or cases where traditional radiation therapy may pose a greater risk to nearby structures.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a highly precise and effective radiation treatment for lung cancer, particularly for early-stage tumors or patients who are not candidates for surgery. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in fewer treatment sessions by using advanced imaging and motion-tracking technology to accurately target the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Due to its precision, SBRT reduces radiation exposure to nearby organs such as the lungs, heart, and esophagus, leading to fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy. Common side effects may include fatigue, mild chest discomfort, or temporary inflammation of lung tissue, but these are generally well-tolerated. With its shorter treatment duration and high success rates, SBRT has become a preferred option for select lung cancer patients, offering a non-invasive yet highly effective alternative to surgery.
Radiation Therapy And Surgery
In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the size of a tumor before surgical removal. In other cases, radiation therapy is used after a tumor is removed to destroy any remaining cancer cells and ensure the tumor does not grow back and the cancer does not return. In many cases, surgery is not indicated, and the cancer can be cured with radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy. We work alongside our fellow medical oncologists and thoracic surgeons to determine the best course of treatment.
What to Expect with Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
Before beginning any type of treatment, it is important to come up with a plan. Supported by our dedicated patient navigator and caring staff, patients first meet with one of our expert radiation oncologists to discuss treatment options. Then, we will use advanced imaging technology to map out the cancer and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Many types and schedules of radiation therapy are utilized for lung cancer treatment including courses as short as 3-5 treatments known as SBRT and up to 35 or more, generally called IMRT or VMAT. Sound Cancer Care only uses the most accurate, precise, and sophisticated forms of modern radiation therapy to provide the best care for our patients.
The process of receiving this non-invasive treatment is painless, but not without side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes at the area of treatment, and sometimes painful or difficulty with swallowing.
Here at Sound Cancer Care, we strive to always be at the forefront of technology. Our advanced technology allows us to precisely map and treat tumors, so we can minimize the damage to healthy surrounding tissue, helping to reduce side effects and improve patient quality of life.