Glossary term · Treatment
Radiotherapy (also: Radiation therapy, External beam radiation): Radiotherapy is cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation, from outside or inside the body, to damage cancer cells’ DNA and stop their growth.
Radiotherapy, or radiation therapy, uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or slow their growth by damaging their DNA. The US National Cancer Institute explains that it can be given from a machine outside the body (external beam) or from a source placed inside the body (brachytherapy). External treatment is usually given once a day on weekdays.
What types are there?
- External beam radiotherapy: a machine aims radiation at the cancer from several directions without touching you.
- Brachytherapy: solid sources such as seeds or capsules are placed in or near the tumour.
- Systemic radiation: a liquid source is swallowed or given into a vein.
NCI describes several forms of external beam treatment, including 3-D conformal therapy, IMRT, image-guided therapy and stereotactic treatments for small tumours. Proton therapy is a form of external beam radiotherapy.
How is treatment planned?
NCI describes a simulation session before treatment. The team defines the treatment area with X-rays or scans while you lie still. Small ink dots on your skin guide your position at each session. A mould or face mask may also be made.
What side effects can occur?
NCI says side effects depend on the area treated. They can include fatigue that builds over time, and problems such as mouth sores or a sore throat when the head, neck or chest is treated. Recovery can take weeks or months after treatment ends.
Why does the schedule matter for medical travel?
NCI says most external beam treatment is given once a day, Monday to Friday. The number of sessions depends on the cancer, its stage and the tumour’s size and location. That means the radiotherapy schedule largely sets how long you stay in India. Ask the radiation oncologist for the planned number of sessions before you book accommodation. Also ask whether a shorter stereotactic course is an option for your case.
Questions people ask
Will I be radioactive after radiotherapy?
NCI explains that with brachytherapy the implanted source gives off radiation for a while, and with systemic liquid radiation body fluids do. Your team will explain any precautions for your type of treatment and for travel.
Can radiotherapy be split between India and home?
A planned course is usually completed at one centre, because planning and machine settings are specific to that centre. Discuss this with the radiation oncologist before starting.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute: Radiation therapy to treat cancer
- National Cancer Institute: External beam radiation therapy
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.