Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It is a common treatment for various types of cancer and can be employed either alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. ### Key Points about Radiation Therapy: 1. **Mechanism:** Radiation works by damaging the DNA within cells. Cancer cells are generally more sensitive to radiation because they are dividing more rapidly than most normal cells.
Medicinal radiochemistry is a specialized field of chemistry that focuses on the development and application of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and treatment in medicine. Radiopharmaceuticals are compounds that contain radioactive isotopes and are used in various imaging and therapeutic procedures.
Radiation therapy, also known as radiation oncology, is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It's a common treatment for various types of cancer and can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Here’s an overview of the procedures involved in radiation therapy: ### 1.
The abscopal effect refers to a phenomenon where localized treatment of a tumor (such as radiation therapy) leads to regression of metastatic tumors that are not directly targeted by the treatment. This effect is often observed in the context of cancer therapy, particularly when combining local treatments with systemic therapies like immunotherapy. The underlying mechanism of the abscopal effect is thought to involve the activation of the immune system.
Auger therapy is a type of targeted cancer treatment that utilizes Auger electrons, which are high-energy electrons emitted during the decay of certain isotopes. The therapy aims to deliver a localized dose of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The mechanism primarily involves attaching a radioactive isotope that emits Auger electrons to a targeting molecule, such as an antibody or a ligand that specifically binds to cancer cells.
In radiation therapy, a "bolus" refers to a tissue-equivalent material that is used to modify the dose distribution of radiation delivered to a patient. It is typically made from materials like water, gel, or specialized plastics that have similar attenuation properties to human tissue. The primary functions of a bolus in radiation therapy include: 1. **Surface Dose Enhancement**: Bolus brings the radiation dose closer to the skin surface, which is particularly important for treating superficial tumors.
The Bragg peak refers to the phenomenon in particle physics and medical physics where charged particles, such as protons and heavy ions, deposit the majority of their energy in a very localized area at a specific depth in a material, typically within tissue or other biological substances. This effect occurs when these particles are decelerated as they pass through matter, leading to a peak in energy deposition just before they come to a stop.
Chemoradiotherapy is a treatment approach that combines chemotherapy and radiotherapy to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment. - **Chemotherapy** involves the use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can be given intravenously or orally and work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of many cancerous tumors. - **Radiotherapy (radiation therapy)** uses high-energy radiation, like X-rays or particles, to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors.
Cobalt therapy, also known as cobalt-60 therapy, is a form of radiation treatment that uses cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope of cobalt, to treat cancer and certain other medical conditions. It was one of the early methods developed for radiation therapy in the mid-20th century and has been largely replaced by more advanced technologies, but it is important in the history of radiation oncology.
In the context of radiotherapy, D50 refers to the dose of radiation that is required to achieve a specific biological effect in 50% of a given population or cells. This metric is often used in radiobiology and treatment planning to evaluate the effectiveness of a radiation dose in achieving tumor control or in assessing the probability of adverse effects in surrounding healthy tissues.
Diffusing alpha emitters radiation therapy (DAERT) is a type of cancer treatment that utilizes alpha-emitting radionuclides to target malignant cells. The therapy is designed to selectively deliver high doses of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Alpha particles are a type of ionizing radiation composed of two protons and two neutrons, and they are relatively heavy and positively charged. As a result, their range is short in biological tissues, typically only a few cell diameters.
A Dose Verification System (DVS) is a crucial component in medical fields, particularly in radiation therapy and nuclear medicine, that ensures the accurate delivery of prescribed doses of radiation to patients. The primary purpose of a Dose Verification System is to enhance the safety and efficacy of treatment by verifying that the amount of radiation administered matches the planned dosage calculated for a patient.
A gallium scan, also known as a gallium-67 scan, is a type of medical imaging test that uses a radioactive isotope of gallium (Ga-67) to help diagnose and evaluate certain conditions in the body, particularly infections, tumors, and inflammatory diseases. ### How It Works: 1. **Radioactive Tracer**: The patient receives an injection of gallium-67, a radiotracer.
Gel dosimetry is a technique used in radiation therapy to measure and verify the distribution of radiation dose within a three-dimensional medium, typically a gelatin-based gel. This method utilizes a polymer gel that undergoes a chemical or physical change in response to ionizing radiation, allowing for the evaluation of radiation dose distributions with high spatial resolution.
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The history of radiation therapy is rich and spans over a century, originating from early discoveries in physics and evolving into an established medical treatment. Here are key milestones in its development: ### Late 19th Century: Discovery of Radiation - **1895**: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays, which marked the beginning of the use of radiation in medicine.
An Indium-111 WBC (white blood cell) scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test used to detect infections, inflammation, and certain types of tumors. This imaging technique utilizes a radioactive isotope, Indium-111, which is attached to white blood cells. Here's how the process generally works: 1. **White Blood Cell Preparation**: A sample of the patient's own white blood cells is collected, typically from their blood.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) is a specialized form of radiation treatment delivered directly to a tumor site during surgery. This approach allows for high doses of radiation to be administered precisely to the area where the tumor is located while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Here are some key points about IORT: 1. **Timing**: IORT is performed during the surgical procedure, often after the tumor has been surgically removed and before the surgical site is closed.
Iodine-125 (I-125) is a radioactive isotope of iodine, with a mass number of 125. It is produced by the decay of Tellurium-125 and has a half-life of approximately 59.4 days.
As of my last update in October 2023, Jennifer Clare Jones does not appear to be a widely recognized figure in popular culture, history, or notable events. It's possible that she could be a private individual or a professional in a specific field not widely covered in mainstream media.
Megavoltage X-rays refer to high-energy X-ray radiation typically used in radiation therapy for treating cancer. The term "megavoltage" generally indicates that the energy of the X-rays is measured in megavolts (MV), which corresponds to energies greater than 1 million electron volts. In clinical practice, megavoltage X-rays are produced using linear accelerators (LINACs).
Microwave thermotherapy is a medical treatment that uses microwave energy to generate heat in targeted tissues, typically for therapeutic purposes. This technique is often employed in the treatment of various medical conditions, including certain types of tumors, chronic pain, and other disorders. Here's how it works: 1. **Microwave Energy**: Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to radio waves but shorter in wavelength.
Nanoimpellers are nanoscale devices or systems designed to facilitate the movement of molecules or particles at the nanoscale. They can be thought of as tiny "propellers" that can drive or manipulate nanoparticles, biomolecules, or other small systems through various media, including biological environments, liquids, or even air. The concept of nanoimpellers is often explored in nanotechnology and materials science for applications in drug delivery, molecular diagnostics, and biomolecular interactions.
A neutron generator is a device used to produce neutrons, which are neutral subatomic particles that play a crucial role in various applications, including nuclear physics, nuclear medicine, and neutron radiography. Neutron generators can be used for a variety of purposes, such as: 1. **Nuclear Research**: In laboratories for studying nuclear reactions and fundamental physics. 2. **Medical Applications**: In cancer treatment, particularly in neutron capture therapy, where targeted neutron irradiation is used to destroy tumor cells.
Orthovoltage X-rays refer to a specific range of X-ray radiation used in medical applications, particularly in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. This type of X-ray operates at relatively low energy levels compared to other forms of X-ray and therapeutic radiation, such as megavoltage radiation. **Characteristics of Orthovoltage X-rays:** 1. **Energy Range:** Orthovoltage X-rays typically have energies ranging from about 100 to 300 kV (kilovolts).
A PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) scan is a type of imaging study used primarily in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. It utilizes a radiotracer that binds specifically to PSMA, a protein that is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells compared to normal prostate tissue.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is a preventive radiation therapy used primarily in patients with certain types of cancer, particularly small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and, in some cases, hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma and leukemia. The goal of PCI is to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to the brain, which can occur in these types of cancers.
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) refers to the damage that occurs to lung tissue as a result of exposure to radiation, typically from therapeutic radiation used in the treatment of cancers located in or near the thoracic region, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer. RILI can occur as a result of radiation therapy delivering high doses of radiation to the lungs, leading to inflammation and injury. **Types of RILI:** 1.
Radiation burn, also known as radiation dermatitis or radiodermatitis, is a type of skin damage that occurs due to exposure to ionizing radiation or radiation from medical treatments, such as radiation therapy for cancer. The severity of radiation burns can vary widely depending on factors such as the dose of radiation received, the duration of exposure, the area of the body affected, and individual skin sensitivity.
Radiation colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon (large intestine) that occurs as a result of radiation therapy, often employed to treat cancers in the abdominal or pelvic regions, such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, or gynecological cancers. The radiation can damage the cells of the colon, leading to a series of symptoms and complications.
Radiation enteropathy is a condition that results from damage to the intestines due to exposure to ionizing radiation, often as a part of cancer treatment such as radiation therapy for abdominal or pelvic tumors. The condition can lead to both acute and chronic symptoms affecting the bowel. ### Acute Radiation Enteropathy: - This occurs soon after exposure to radiation and may present with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
A radiation oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer using radiation therapy. They are trained to administer and oversee radiation treatments for cancer patients, developing individualized treatment plans based on the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Radiation oncologists work closely with other members of the healthcare team, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care.
Radiation proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum that occurs as a result of radiation therapy, typically used to treat cancers located in the pelvis, such as prostate, cervical, or rectal cancer. The condition can develop shortly after treatment (acute radiation proctitis) or may appear months or years later (chronic radiation proctitis).
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a targeted cancer treatment that combines radiation therapy with immunotherapy. It involves the use of monoclonal antibodies that are specifically designed to bind to specific antigens on cancer cells. These antibodies are then linked to a radioactive isotope, which allows for the delivery of targeted radiation directly to the cancer cells.
Radiopharmacology is a specialized field within pharmacology that focuses on the use of radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals) for diagnosis, therapy, and research in medicine. It combines principles from nuclear medicine, pharmacology, and radiochemistry to study and apply the interactions of these substances within the body.
Radiotherapy & Oncology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on the field of radiation oncology. It encompasses research, clinical studies, and advances in the treatment of cancer using radiotherapy. The journal publishes articles on various aspects of radiotherapy, including techniques, technology, clinical trials, and the biological effects of radiation on cancer cells.
Radium-223 (Ra-223) is a radioactive isotope of radium. It is part of the actinide series and is produced through the decay of uranium and thorium. Radium-223 has a half-life of about 11.43 days and emits alpha particles as it decays. Radium-223 has been studied and used in the medical field, particularly in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.
Radiotherapy can have various side effects on fertility, and these effects depend on several factors, including the area of the body being treated, the dosage of radiation, and the individual's age and overall health. Here’s a general overview of how radiotherapy might affect fertility in both males and females: ### In Females 1. **Ovarian Damage**: Radiation to the pelvic area can affect the ovaries, potentially leading to reduced hormone production and diminished ovarian function.
Sirtex Medical Limited is a biotechnology company specializing in targeted cancer therapies. The company is known primarily for developing and commercializing a type of treatment called radioembolization, which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat liver cancer. One of their main products is SIR-Spheres, which are tiny radioactive microspheres that are delivered directly to liver tumors through the bloodstream. These microspheres emit radiation that helps to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Superficial X-rays refer to a type of X-ray therapy that is primarily used to treat skin conditions, particularly superficial tumors or lesions. This form of radiation therapy is designed to target only the upper layers of skin, unlike conventional X-ray therapy that penetrates deeper tissues. ### Key Features of Superficial X-rays: 1. **Depth of Penetration**: Superficial X-rays are designed to reach only a few millimeters to centimeters into the skin.
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