New Technology in Radiology; How Radiation cures cancer
- Kayley Seedath
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
By: Kayley Seedath Edited by: Analia A.
Brampton, ON
OVERVIEW
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, has been used for the treatment of cancer and other diseases for approximately 100 years. As early as 1897, it was concluded that x-rays could be used for therapeutic as well as diagnostic purposes. The use of ionizing radiation for cancer treatment dates back to the late 19th century, soon after the discovery of X-rays and radium. Today, it stands as one of the most effective and widely used treatments for many types of cancer. This article explores the science behind radiotherapy, its applications, benefits, and the ongoing innovations that continue to improve patient outcomes. In this article, we’ll be uncovering new technology in radiology, how radiation cures cancer and the history behind Radiotherapy, what it's used for, and the positive impact it creates in the community.
HISTORY BEHIND RADIOTHERAPY
Radiotherapy, as a medical treatment, has an intriguing history that spans over a century, shaped by significant discoveries and technological advancements. Its roots trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when scientists first discovered the powerful effects of X-rays and radioactive materials.
The story began in 1895 when Wilhelm Roentgen, a German physicist, accidentally discovered X-rays. This momentous discovery opened up new possibilities for both diagnosing and treating diseases. Shortly after, Marie and Pierre Curie, in the early 1900s, made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of radioactivity. Their work with radium, a radioactive element, led them to explore its potential for treating cancer. In 1903, the first use of radioactive materials to treat cancer was carried out, primarily using radium for localized treatment.
By the 1920s and 1930s, radiotherapy gained more widespread acceptance in the medical field, particularly as a treatment for cancers. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that the first linear accelerators were developed. These machines, which generated higher-energy X-rays, revolutionized radiotherapy by providing more controlled and targeted radiation doses, thereby improving treatment outcomes and minimizing side effects.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the field advanced further with improvements in radiation planning and dosimetry (the calculation of radiation doses). The introduction of computed tomography (CT) and later magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1970s enabled doctors to better visualize tumors, leading to more precise targeting of radiation and sparing healthy tissues. The advent of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the 1990s allowed for even greater precision, and modern technologies, such as proton therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, continue to enhance radiotherapy's effectiveness.
USES OF RADIOTHERAPY AND NEW TECHNOLOGY
Radiotherapy is primarily used to treat cancer, but its applications extend to other medical conditions as well. It involves the use of high-energy radiation to damage or destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, and prevent cancer from spreading. Here’s an overview of the main uses of radiotherapy:
1. Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy is commonly employed as either a primary treatment for cancer or as part of a broader treatment plan, often in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. It is used to:
Shrink tumors: Radiotherapy can be used to shrink tumors before surgery, making it easier to remove them.
Eliminate cancer cells: It helps target and destroy cancer cells in areas where surgery may not be an option, particularly in cancers that are difficult to operate on.
Palliative care: In cases where cancer is advanced or not curable, radiotherapy can provide symptom relief by shrinking tumors that cause pain, pressure, or bleeding.
Common cancers treated with radiotherapy include:
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
Head and neck cancers
Brain tumors
Cervical and uterine cancers
2. Non-Cancerous Conditions
Although primarily used for cancer, radiotherapy can also treat certain non-cancerous conditions, such as:
Thyroid disorders: Radiotherapy is sometimes used to treat conditions like hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease, especially when medications or surgery are not effective.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): These abnormal tangles of blood vessels can be treated with radiotherapy to shrink them.
Keloids: Excessive scar tissue (keloids) that forms after injury or surgery can sometimes be treated with radiotherapy to prevent them from growing further.
Certain benign tumors: Tumors like meningiomas (benign brain tumors) can also be treated with radiotherapy if surgery is not an option.
3. Post-Surgical Treatment
Radiotherapy can be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells that could cause a recurrence. This is especially common for cancers like breast, prostate, and head/neck cancers, where there’s a risk that microscopic cancer cells may still be present in the body even after the tumor is removed.
4. Preventing Cancer Spread
Radiotherapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments to reduce the risk of cancer spreading, especially in lymph nodes or nearby tissues. For example, after removing a primary tumor, radiotherapy can help to prevent metastasis to surrounding areas.
5. Bone Cancer and Metastases
Radiotherapy is often used to treat bone cancer or bone metastases (when cancer spreads to the bones) to relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent fractures.
POSITIVE IMPACT + CONCLUSION
Overall, radiotherapy's positive impact is profound. It offers patients the potential for cure, symptom relief, and improved quality of life with relatively low invasiveness and side effects when used appropriately. As technology continues to advance, the effectiveness, precision, and overall outcomes of radiotherapy will only continue to improve, offering hope to patients battling cancer and other challenging conditions.
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