How is EBRT administered?
How is EBRT administered?
Using a special X-ray machine called a linear accelerator, EBRT delivers high-energy rays to tumors. The machine delivers radiation from any angle and shapes radiation beams to the contour of the tumor. The machine moves around the body without touching the patient, aiming radiation at the cancer.
What are the side effects of EBRT?
Side effects of EBRT
- Tiredness. The effects of radiation on your body may mean you become tired during treatment.
- Urinary problems.
- Bowel problems.
- Erection problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction)
- Changes in ejaculation.
- Infertility.
Is EBRT the same as IMRT?
IMRT is a special form of EBRT involving the delivery of hundreds of small radiation beams with different intensities, entering the body from a number of different angles.
What is IMRT treatment for prostate cancer?
IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) : a type of external beam radiation therapy where your doctor uses a computer to plan the exact dose of radiation that is aimed at your prostate cancer.
What type of radiation is used in IMRT?
A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) generates the photons, or x-rays, used in IMRT. The machine is the size of a small car—approximately 10 feet high and 15 feet long. During the treatment, the patient must lie still. The intensity of each beam’s radiation dose is dynamically varied according to treatment plan.
What are the three key factors for limiting exposure to radiation?
For reducing radiation exposure, there are 3 principals: time, distance, and shielding.
How long does radiation keep working after last treatment?
For most people, the cancer experience doesn’t end on the last day of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy usually does not have an immediate effect, and it could take days, weeks or months to see any change in the cancer. The cancer cells may then keep dying for weeks or months after the end of treatment.
How does EBRT work to treat a tumor?
Some types of focused EBRT target a tumor with higher, more precise doses of radiation, while reducing damage to healthy tissue and nearby organs. As a result, EBRT may help reduce the risk of side effects associated with traditional radiation treatment. What should I expect during my external beam radiation therapy?
How long does it take for EBRT to work?
EBRT treatments are typically outpatient procedures. The length of your treatment depends on many factors, including your type and stage of cancer. EBRT may be administered over a period of two to 10 weeks.
What kind of particles are used in EBRT?
EBRT usually delivers X-rays (also called photons) but can also use electrons or other rarer particles such as protons. These have different properties which can be useful for different cancers or settings.
How is SBRT used to treat tumours outside the spine?
SBRT delivers very high dose radiation focally to small tumours outside of the spine or brain. Immobilisation of the body is critical, although small movements that may affect the precise delivery of the treatment, such as breathing, are taken into account.