Radiotherapy Technology

Radiotherapy Technology

 Radiotherapy (or radiation therapy) is a medical technology that uses ionizing radiation to treat cancer and certain non-cancerous conditions. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing, while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues.

 Types of Radiotherapy Technology

1. External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)

   • Uses high-energy beams (X-rays, gamma rays, or protons).

   • Delivered by linear accelerators (LINACs).

   • Includes advanced techniques:

     • 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) – shapes beams to match tumor.

     • Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) – varies beam intensity.

     • Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) – rotates beams for precise dose.

     • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) – high-dose, pinpoint accuracy.

     • Proton Therapy – uses protons for reduced collateral damage.

2. Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy)

   • Radioactive sources placed inside or near the tumor.

   • Used for prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers.

   • Provides high-dose delivery to localized areas.

3. Systemic Radiotherapy

   • Radioactive substances given orally or intravenously.

   • Example: Radioactive iodine (I-131) for thyroid cancer.

   • Radionuclide therapy for bone metastases and neuroendocrine tumors.

 Core Technologies

• Linear Accelerators (LINACs): Generate high-energy X-rays/electrons.

• Proton Therapy Machines (Cyclotrons/Synchrotrons): Deliver proton beams.

• Treatment Planning Systems (TPS): Software for dose calculation and tumor mapping.

• Imaging Technologies: CT, MRI, PET for tumor localization and treatment guidance.

• Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT): Real-time imaging ensures accuracy.

• Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART): Adjusts plans during treatment based on tumor changes.

Advantages

• Non-invasive or minimally invasive.

• High precision reduces damage to healthy tissues.

• Can preserve organ function compared to surgery.

• Effective for both primary tumors and metastases.

Challenges

• Side effects: fatigue, skin irritation, nausea, damage to nearby organs.

• Requires highly skilled professionals (radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiographers).

• High infrastructure cost (especially proton therapy).

• Accessibility issues in low-resource regions.

 Future Trends

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): For automated treatment planning and real-time adjustments.

• FLASH Radiotherapy: Ultra-high dose rate delivery reducing toxicity.

• Radiogenomics: Personalized radiotherapy based on genetic profiling.

• Particle Therapy Expansion: Wider use of proton and carbon ion therapies.

• Integration with Immunotherapy: Combining radiation with immune-based treatments.