Radiation oncology’s role in treating lung cancer
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that in many cases can be the single most effective method to treat lung cancer. It may also be combined with surgery and/or chemotherapy to help increase its effectiveness.
Radiation therapy is a safe and effective use of high-energy x-rays to kill or shrink cancer cells, while preserving the normal, surrounding tissue. It is often an option for someone who has early stage lung cancer, as well as for more advanced cancers. In the case where cancer has spread, radiation therapy can also help to relieve symptoms.
Radiation oncology offers different modalities of treatment: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), fractionated Intensity-Modulated RadioTherapy (IMRT) or 3-Dimentional Conformal RadioTherapy (3DCRT), and intra-tracheobronchial brachytherapy. A radiation oncologist who specializes in lung cancer evaluates each patient to determine the best course of treatment for the individual.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
This treatment uses a highly focused sharp radiation beam that targets only the tumor with increased accuracy within one millimeter. Therefore, an intense dose is given to the tumor itself in 2 to 5 sessions. It is also known as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) when it is given in a single session. SBRT and SRS are completely noninvasive treatments and performed while the person is awake. SBRT is used to treat early stage lung cancer with excellent long-term results. Since the treatment is so focused on the tumor, the chance of causing complications is minimal, and therefore, can be used for those who have emphysema or poor lung function. SBRT is also used to treat several isolated lung metastasis with the same results.
Intensity-Modulated RadioTherapy (IMRT) or 3-Dimensional Conformal RadioTherapy (3DCRT)
This treatment is used for more advanced lung cancers, usually combined with chemotherapy. Because of the advanced stage of the tumor, the treatment includes the cancer and the lymph nodes in the mediastinum. The treatment is given in small radiation doses daily for a period of time and is often referred to as fractionated. In order to make the treatment conform to the tumor’s 3-dimensional shape and have the treatment distributed evenly to the selected tumor and node area, the radiation beam is highly manipulated, which is why it is called intensity-modulated. As a result, the precise therapy minimizes any potential complications.
Intrabronchial Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy (pronounced brak-e-THER-uh-pee), radioactive material is placed directly on or in the tumor mass inside the body. It is an invasive procedure that is used for a cancer that is located in the windpipe and blocks the airway. A small caliber catheter is placed through the trachea or bronchus to guide the insertion of radioisotope on the tumor itself. The treatment is intended to open the airway and help to relieve severe symptoms of breathing.
To learn more:
Department of Radiation Oncology