Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves exposing cancerous tissues to high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles. While cancer cells are destroyed, normal tissues have a greater capacity to repair themselves. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) involves directing radiation from a source outside the body, whereas brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumour. Systemic radiation therapy uses radioactive substances that circulate throughout the body. Radiation therapy is applied to treat various cancers and plays a significant role in palliative care, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Uses external radiation sources.
Brachytherapy: Involves internal radiation sources.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Highly precise radiation for tumours, using multiple beams from different directions to reduce damage to healthy tissue.

Prostate Cancer Treatment: EBRT and brachytherapy are common treatments for prostate cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment: Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Lung Cancer Treatment: Radiation therapy can be used to treat both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
Palliative Care:Radiation therapy can relieve pain and other symptoms in patients with advanced cancer.

Radiological risks involve the potential for unintended exposure of healthy tissues. For source-based brachytherapy, risks include the secure handling, tracking, and storage of physical radioactive sources. For electricity-generated external beam therapy (Linacs), hazards are confined to prompt radiation while the equipment is active. Precise treatment planning, shielding, and quality assurance are essential to mitigate these risks.

Deployment is challenged by high costs. Source-based radiotherapy involves the long-term management and costs of management of sources. Electricity-generated Linacs require high capital investment, stable power infrastructure, and complex maintenance. Both require highly trained medical physics and clinical personnel to ensure consistent safety and quality standards.

There are no proliferation risks as there is no nuclear material involved in this application.