When someone you know is diagnosed with brain cancer, it can feel overwhelming. There are many treatment options available, and one of the most common and important is brain cancer radiation treatment.
This article will explain what radiation therapy is, the different types of radiation therapy used for brain tumors, what to expect during and after treatment, and some of the potential side effects of radiation. We aim to provide clear and easy-to-understand information to help you navigate this challenging time.
What is Radiation Therapy?
At its core, radiation treatment uses high energy rays or particles to treat cancer. Think of it like a targeted beam that focuses on the tumor cells. The goal is to damage these cells so they can no longer grow and spread. While radiation can affect normal cells in the treatment area, doctors carefully plan the treatment to minimize this damage as much as possible.
For brain cancer, radiation therapy plays a crucial role in controlling the growth of tumors, shrinking them, and sometimes even eliminating them entirely. It can be used as the main treatment, or it can be combined with other therapies like surgery or chemotherapy. It can also be used to relieve symptoms caused by the tumor, such as pressure or pain.
Types of Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors
There are several types of radiation therapy used to treat brain cancer. The best type for a particular patient depends on several factors, including the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are some of the most common methods:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common way radiation is delivered for brain tumors. In this method, a machine called a linear accelerator directs the high dose of radiation from outside the body towards the tumor. The treatment is usually given in small daily doses, called fractions, over several weeks. This approach helps to deliver a sufficient amount of radiation to kill the cancer cells while allowing healthy tissues more time to recover between treatments.
During an EBRT session, you will typically lie on a treatment table while the linear accelerator moves around your head, delivering radiation from different angles. The process is usually painless, similar to getting an X-ray. Each session typically lasts for a short period, often less than an hour.
A more advanced form of EBRT is intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to the tumor while minimizing exposure to 1 surrounding healthy tissue. It achieves this by adjusting the intensity of the radiation beams from different angles.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not actually surgery. Instead, it’s a type of radiation therapy that delivers a single, high dose of radiation to a small, well-defined target in the brain. Several beams of radiation are precisely focused on the tumor from different angles. Each individual beam is weak and doesn’t cause significant damage, but where they all intersect at the tumor, they deliver a powerful dose of radiation to destroy the cancer cells.
Gamma Knife is a well-known type of SRS that uses many small beams of gamma rays to target the tumor. Other SRS systems use linear accelerators to generate the radiation beams. SRS is often used for small brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors (cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body), and certain non-cancerous brain conditions.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy
Stereotactic radiotherapy is similar to SRS but delivers the radiation in several smaller fractions over a few days instead of a single high dose. This approach, sometimes called fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, may be preferred for larger tumors or tumors located close to critical structures in the brain, as it can reduce the risk of side effects of radiation.
What to Expect During Radiation Treatment
Before starting radiation treatment, you will meet with a radiation oncologist, a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. The oncologist will review your medical history, imaging scans (like MRI or CT scans), and discuss the treatment plan with you. This planning phase is crucial to ensure the radiation is delivered accurately and safely.
During the planning, you may undergo a simulation. This involves lying still on a treatment table while the radiation therapy team takes images and marks the area to be treated on your head. A custom-made mask or headrest may be created to help keep your head still during each treatment session.
The actual treatment sessions are usually short and painless. You will be carefully positioned on the treatment table, and the radiation machine will deliver the prescribed dose of radiation. The treatment team will monitor you closely throughout the session, although they will typically be in an adjacent room during the radiation delivery.
The number of treatment sessions and the total amount of radiation you receive will depend on the type and location of your tumor, as well as your overall health. EBRT is usually given daily, Monday through Friday, for several weeks. SRS and stereotactic radiotherapy involve fewer sessions.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Like any cancer treatment, radiation therapy for brain tumors can have side effects. These effects of radiation therapy can vary from person to person and depend on the amount of radiation received, the area of the brain being treated, and the individual’s overall health.
Common short-term side effects of radiation to the brain include:
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss in the treated area
- Skin irritation or redness on the scalp
- Changes in thinking or concentration
- Seizures (in some cases)
These side effects are usually temporary and tend to improve after the treatment is completed. Your medical team will provide you with strategies to manage these symptoms.
Longer-term side effects of radiation are less common but can occur months or even years after treatment. These can include:
- Memory problems
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Vision problems
- Hearing loss
- Hormonal changes
- Increased risk of developing a secondary brain tumor (rare)
It’s important to discuss the potential side effects of radiation with your radiation oncologist before starting treatment. They can explain the risks and benefits in your specific situation and outline strategies to minimize potential complications. Regular follow-up appointments after treatment are crucial for monitoring for any long-term effects of radiation therapy.
The Role of the Radiation Oncologist
The radiation oncologist is a key member of your cancer care team. They are responsible for:
- Determining if radiation therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your brain cancer.
- Developing a personalized treatment plan, including the types of radiation therapy, the dose of radiation, and the number of treatment sessions.
- Overseeing the delivery of the radiation treatment.
- Managing any side effects of radiation that may occur.
- Following up with you after treatment to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
It’s important to feel comfortable asking your radiation oncologist any questions you have about your treatment. They are there to guide you through the process and provide the best possible care.
Brain cancer radiation treatment is a vital tool in the fight against brain tumors. Understanding the different types of radiation therapy, what to expect during treatment, and the potential side effects of radiation can help patients and their families feel more informed and empowered.
Remember that every patient’s journey is unique, and the best treatment plan will be tailored to their specific needs. By working closely with your medical team, including your radiation oncologist, you can navigate this challenging experience with the best possible outcomes.
Support the Darren Daulton Foundation:
Learn how you can make a difference by visiting our Donate page.
If you’d like to contribute your time and skills, please visit our Volunteer page.
For those in need of financial assistance during their cancer journey, you can find more information on our Financial Assistance page.
