Managing Cancer with Radiation: When Surgery and Chemotherapy Fall Short with Dr. Jyotirup Goswami
Cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While surgery and chemotherapy are often the first line of defense against cancer, there are instances when these methods may not provide a complete solution. In such cases, radiation therapy plays an essential role in managing cancer, offering targeted treatment when surgery and chemotherapy fall short. In this blog, Dr. Jyotirup Goswami, an expert in radiation oncology, explores how radiation therapy can be a game-changer in cancer care.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, radiation therapy is usually localized, meaning it focuses specifically on the tumor and surrounding tissues. It can be used in various forms, including external beam radiation, internal radiation (brachytherapy), or advanced techniques like stereotactic radiosurgery.
When Surgery Isn’t Enough
Surgery remains one of the most effective ways to remove tumors. However, certain tumors cannot be completely removed due to their location or size. In such cases, surgery may leave behind cancerous cells that could cause the cancer to return. Post-surgery radiation therapy is often used to target these remaining cells, ensuring that all cancerous tissue is eliminated.
In some situations, surgery might not be possible due to the cancer’s location or the patient’s overall health. Radiation therapy can be an effective alternative in these cases, offering a non-invasive treatment option to destroy or shrink tumors.
When Chemotherapy Isn’t Enough
Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment used to kill fast-growing cancer cells, but it doesn’t always work on every tumor, especially when the cancer has become resistant to the drugs. Chemotherapy may also have limited effectiveness on localized tumors or those that have already spread to distant parts of the body.
Radiation therapy complements chemotherapy by offering more precision. While chemotherapy affects the whole body, radiation therapy can be used to directly target the tumor site, providing focused treatment. This combination of therapies improves the chances of successful treatment, especially for cancers that don’t respond well to chemotherapy alone.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation therapy is versatile, and its role in cancer care varies depending on the patient’s condition. Here are some common ways radiation is used:
- Pre-Surgery (Neoadjuvant Radiation): Radiation therapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove.
- Post-Surgery (Adjuvant Radiation): After surgery, radiation targets any remaining cancer cells to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Primary Treatment: For some cancers, especially when surgery is not an option, radiation may be the primary treatment.
- Palliative Treatment: In advanced stages of cancer, radiation can help manage symptoms like pain or bleeding, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Types of Radiation Therapy
- External Beam Radiation: The most common form of radiation therapy, where beams of radiation are directed at the tumor from outside the body. This method is often used for treating localized cancers.
- Brachytherapy: In this treatment, radioactive material is placed directly inside or near the tumor. It’s often used for cancers of the prostate, cervix, or breast.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A non-invasive technique that delivers precise radiation doses to tumors, typically used for brain tumors and other small, well-defined tumors.
The Role of Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy has several key functions in cancer treatment:
- Shrinking Tumors: When tumors are too large to remove surgically or cannot be fully excised, radiation therapy helps shrink them, making it easier for other treatments to work.
- Preventing Recurrence: After surgery or chemotherapy, radiation can target any remaining cancer cells, reducing the chance of recurrence.
- Symptom Management: Radiation can relieve symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding caused by tumors, helping patients with advanced cancer feel more comfortable.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a vital tool in the fight against cancer, particularly when surgery and chemotherapy are not enough. Whether used to shrink tumors before surgery, eliminate residual cancer cells post-surgery, or manage symptoms in advanced cancer, radiation offers a focused and effective approach to treatment.
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment or considering your treatment options, it’s essential to discuss the potential role of radiation with your oncologist. Dr. Jyotirup Goswami emphasizes the importance of understanding how radiation can work alongside other therapies to provide the best outcomes for patients.