External beam radiation therapy

Classification

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External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a form of radiation therapy that uses beams of radiation to destroy or damage cancer cells from outside the body. This method is one of the most common treatments for cancer, employing high-energy rays to target the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Types of External Beam Radiation Therapy

EBRT can be delivered using various technologies, each with specific applications and benefits. The main types include:

• 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT): Uses three-dimensional planning to target a precise radiation dose to the shape of the tumor.
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Enhances 3D-CRT by modulating the intensity of the radiation beams, allowing for more precise dose delivery to complex tumor shapes.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Delivers very high doses of radiation to a small tumor area in fewer sessions, often used for small, localized cancers.
• Proton Therapy: Uses protons instead of x-rays, allowing for a more precise delivery of radiation that minimizes damage to surrounding tissues.

Procedure

The process of EBRT typically involves several steps:

1. Simulation: The patient undergoes a CT scan to determine the exact location, size, and shape of the tumor. During simulation, the patient is positioned in the same way they will be for the actual treatment.
2. Treatment Planning: A team of medical physicists and radiation oncologists use the simulation images to design a treatment plan that maximizes tumor control while minimizing exposure to normal tissues.
3. Treatment Delivery: The patient attends multiple sessions where the radiation is delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC).

Side Effects

While EBRT is non-invasive and painless, it can cause both acute and long-term side effects depending on the area treated. Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in the function of the irradiated organs.

Applications

EBRT is used to treat a variety of cancers, including but not limited to prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain tumors. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Advancements

Recent advancements in EBRT focus on improving precision and reducing side effects. Technologies like image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and adaptive radiation therapy (ART) are being developed to enhance treatment accuracy.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Cancer treatment
• Medical imaging
• Oncology