Did you know that almost two million new cancer cases are predicted annually in the United States? Lung cancer remains the number one cause of death out of all types of cancer, although mortality trends are slowing.
Unfortunately, progress on breast and prostate cancer outcomes is at a relative halt. Experts advise that more targeted approaches and research is needed. So, what is radiation oncology?
This specialized field of medicine focuses on using radiation to diagnose and treat cancer. Radiation is not without its side effects. However, it often has several advantages over chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
We have a must-read article for you to learn more about the equipment, drugs, and technology used. In our guide, we will review what radiation oncology is and how you can get started with purchasing equipment today.
What is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation oncology is a form of medicine designed for cancer treatment. It can work in various cancer stages and reoccurring cancer diagnoses.
It is usually administered and followed by a radiation oncologist. A radiation physicist will also be present to ensure that equipment is functioning properly for treatments.
Another term you may hear is radiopharmaceuticals. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs to diagnose or treat health conditions.
Radiation Oncology Benefits
The primary benefit of radiation oncology is stopping the spread of cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, it usually targets specific tumors. This makes it ideal for reducing the tumor size or using it in conjunction with other treatments.
Internal radiation therapy has few systemic reactions. While it may harm some surrounding healthy cells, they should return to normal.
Radiation Oncology Risks
Radiation therapy is not without its risks and side effects. Some of the most common side effects of radiation include:
- Skin irritation and changes (e.g., dryness, blisters, hair loss)
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
It can also cause fertility issues and, in rare cases, lead to new cancer formation. While most healthy cells recover, there are risks of “late effects” that can arise years after treatment.
Medical professionals need to understand the side effects of radiation treatment to educate patients.
Types of Radiation
The primary type of radiation used in healthcare is X-rays. Other radiation forms include:
- Gamma Rays
- Alpha Particles
- Beta Particles
Radiation imaging, using X-rays or gamma rays, is used to gain a clearer picture of organs, tissues, and bones. It uses ionizing radiation to create a digital film and is crucial to physician treatment plans.
Radiation therapy uses similar technology to kill cancer cells. The primary form of radiation is high-energy x-ray waves. Radiation creates changes in DNA that prevent further cell division and replication.
Radiation Therapy creates a localized treatment using external radiation through a specialized machine called a linear accelerator. Internal radiation or brachytherapy is more systemic. Patients either ingest or are implanted with radiation for therapy.
Internal vs. External Radiation Equipment
External radiation is a standard therapy that exposes the body to a field of radiation. Once the field is activated, the radiation waves penetrate the body, targeting areas of cancer cells. Once the external radiation is stopped, a patient is no longer at risk of radiation.
Types of external beam radiation equipment are photons, protons, and electrons. Proton beams are costly equipment that is not widely used in every clinic.
For example, PET/CT scans have become widely popular for radiation imaging biomarkers. They help with diagnosing cancer stages and treatment monitoring.
Internal radiation can be caused by people coming into contact with contaminated materials. This exposes the body to radioactive material that can cause several negative health outcomes.
However, In controlled medical settings, internal radiation can deliver higher radiation doses to treat cancerous regions in the body. This is known as brachytherapy.
Some of the most common types of internal radiation are seeds, capsules, and injections. High-dose brachytherapy uses an applicator administered in a hospital setting. The radiation applicator is removed after treatment, and some precautionary measures are taken afterward.
Low-dose brachytherapy involves an implant. It delivers small doses of radiation over time to a targeted organ or tumor.
Theranostics and Cancer Treatments
Theranostics have increased in popularity. It is a novel treatment that can deliver more targeted radiation. It provides both an imaging component and a therapy component in one dose.
Researchers found several advantages of Theranostics. It has good efficacy, minimal toxicity, and does not require months of treatment. Compared to other cancer drugs and treatments, theranostics could be an advantageous tool for your clinic, depending on what kind of cancer is being treated.
How to Find Radiation Equipment
Radiation therapy involves specialized equipment run by qualified professionals. If you already employ radiation oncologists, you need a reputable company to deliver equipment.
TTG provides several pieces of radiation oncology equipment and parts for your hospital or facility. We also maintain and service your equipment to ensure quality treatments and diagnostic imaging.
We have refurbished equipment that can be installed and equipped in your facility to unique specifications. Additionally, we can provide any training needed to use the devices safely. You can rest assured that TTG only sells high-quality and technologically-advanced equipment.
Purchasing Radiation Oncology Equipment
External radiation equipment is essential for diagnosing and treating various cancers. For help getting started on what your clinic needs, contact TTG today. We specialize in nuclear medicine and radiation oncology and have helped several facilities like yours!
