What is Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is a common treatment for various types of cancer and can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies such as surgery or chemotherapy.
How Does Radiotherapy Work?
Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. While healthy cells can also be affected, they are generally better at repairing themselves than cancer cells. This selective damage helps to target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
Why is Radiotherapy Used in Pediatric Patients?
Pediatric cancers are biologically different from adult cancers, often requiring specialized treatment approaches. Radiotherapy is used in pediatric patients to treat various cancers, including brain tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcomas. It can be particularly effective in shrinking tumors before surgery or destroying remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
Long-term side effects may include growth and developmental issues, hormonal changes, and an increased risk of second cancers. Careful planning and advanced techniques aim to reduce these risks.
Multidisciplinary teams, including pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists, collaborate to develop the most effective treatment strategy.
Conclusion
Radiotherapy is a vital component in the treatment of pediatric cancers. While it comes with its own set of challenges and risks, advancements in technology and careful planning have significantly improved outcomes. Understanding the process and potential side effects can help families better support their children through this difficult journey.
