Cancer Center Treatment Course

WHAT IS RADIOTHERAPY?

 It is the clinical specialty dealing with the use of ionizing radiation in the treatment of patients with malignant neoplasia.

 

TYPES OF RADIATION THERAPY.

 

TELETHERAPY – the delivery of radiation treatment to the patient from a machine located remote from the body. (e.g. cobalt machine or Linear accelerator)

 BRACHYTHERAPY – the administration of radiation therapy by applying a radioactive material inside the patient or in close approximation to the patient.

 

AIM OF RADIATION THERAPY

To deliver a precise measured dose of radiation to a defined tumor volume with minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues resulting in eradication of the tumor (curative intent) or prevent recurrence (prophylactic treatment).

Palliative intent is to relieve pain and other unpleasant symptoms thus improving the quality of life and prolongation of survival.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIOTHERAPY

 

• Referral letter and a short clinical abstract. 
• Histopathologic report.Laboratory and Imaging work-ups with results andradiographs.
•  Complete blood count preferably normal or least 100 grams/dl. hemoglobin
•  Dental clearance for head and neck tumors.
•  Steroid coverage for brain and spinal cord irradiation.

 

TREATMENT PLANNING

 It is a complex process carried out prior to the administration of the radiation therapy todetermine the volume of the region to be treated, type of treatment, the dose to be delivered and detailed planning of the beam of therapy.

 TATTOO MARKS

 After completion of the treatment planning, the radiation therapist marks the treatment field with a pen marker. The corners of the fields are tattooed with a sterile fine needle for permanent surface references.

 For head and neck cases, if we use immobilization devices such as the mask (orfit) surface markers are placed on the mask itself.

 

TREATMENT COURSE.

 Radiation therapy usually takes 3-7 weeks, depending on the intent, whether curative or palliative. It is given daily from Monday to Friday lasting only for a few minutes, based on the prescribed dose and number of treatment fields.

 

The State-of –the-art Machine

Dual Energy Linear Accelerator

 Another landmark acquisition is the Elekta Synergy linear Accelerator- the first IMRT/IGRT facility boosting DDH’s position as the leader in radiation therapy in the whole Visayas-Mindanao region. In its continuous commitment to provide the region with top-notch healthcare solutions, DDH prides itself in offering a cancer facility with a full complement of services that will accurately screen, diagnose, treat and manage cancer vis-à-vis the latest technology and excellent medical professionals, coupled with warm care and passionate service.

 

Contact Information

Cancer Center

Oncology Building

Tel.No.: (082) 222-8000 loc 8158