Radiation Therapy: A Targeted Approach to Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy is a key component of modern cancer treatment, using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. In hematology, it is used both as a primary treatment for localized blood cancers and as a preparatory step for bone marrow transplants. A hematologist works closely with a radiation oncologist to tailor the therapy for each patient.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Expert in Hematology and BMT
Dr. Nishad Dhakate specializes in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He provides comprehensive care for inherited and acquired red, white, and platelet disorders, as well as immunodeficiency conditions.
Symptoms and When Radiation Therapy Is Used
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Early-stage disease may be treated with radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy to target lymph nodes and prevent recurrence.
- Localized Disease: Radiation can shrink tumors outside the bone marrow, such as in some Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Leukemia spread to the CNS.
- Palliative Care: In advanced cancer, radiation relieves pain from bone lesions or reduces size of enlarged spleen or liver.
- Bone Marrow Transplant Conditioning: Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is a form of Ablation Therapy that destroys existing marrow and suppresses immunity, making room for new stem cells from a donor or autologous transplant.
Symptoms prompting radiation therapy include swollen lymph nodes, persistent pain, or organ compression related to underlying cancer.
The Procedure: From Planning to Treatment
- Simulation and Planning: Imaging scans map the treatment area. Radiation beams are planned to maximize targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- External Beam Radiation: A linear accelerator delivers high-energy beams from multiple angles. Procedure is painless and takes a few minutes.
- Treatment Course: Daily sessions, Monday through Friday, for several weeks. For TBI before a bone marrow transplant, a few sessions over several days are typical.
Radiation damages cancer cell DNA, preventing division and causing cell death. Healthy cells are affected less and can repair themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is radiation therapy the same as chemotherapy?A. No. Radiation is a local treatment using high-energy rays for a specific area. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells systemically. Que. Does radiation therapy make me radioactive?
A. No. External beam radiation does not make patients radioactive. You can safely be around others after treatment. Que. Can radiation therapy be used for all types of blood cancer?
A. It is effective for some malignant blood diseases like Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and as part of bone marrow transplant conditioning, but not all cancers. A hematologist decides the appropriate plan. Que. How does radiation therapy affect my blood counts?
A. Radiation can reduce blood cell counts, causing Anemia or Thrombocytopenia. Total Body Irradiation intentionally destroys marrow before a transplant. Blood counts are monitored, and transfusions or Coagulation Tests may be provided as needed.
