Disease spares no one, cancer is one of the most severe. If you do not see a doctor in time, then big problems can arise. Then only medicines are no longer enough. We will have to resort to cardinal actions, which include radiation therapy. With prostate cancer, its consequences are unpredictable. That's what we're going to talk about now, but first…
What is radiotherapy
This is an effective and expedient treatment for oncological pathologies, which include prostate cancer. It is based on ionizing radiation, acts purposefully, destroys only diseased cells, he althy ones are not affected.
Mechanism of action:
- Ion radiation is directed to where the molecules containing water and tumor cells are located.
- After hitting the beam, hydrogen peroxide and free radicals appear in them.
- The resulting products block the work of diseased cells, their growth and reproduction.
Treatment of prostate cancer with radiation therapy is also based on the fact that the activity of radicals and hydrogen peroxide depends on metabolism. The higher it is, the more actively the tumor feeds, which, in turn, leads to an increase in the harmful effects of radiation on it.
This method of treatment is used at all stages of the development of the disease, regardless of the area of organ damage and the spread of metastases. In addition, radiation therapy is effectively used after removal of prostate cancer as a preventive and therapeutic agent.
The radiation directed at cancer cells is divided into two types:
- wave - based on gamma radiation and X-rays;
- particle method is a proton therapy, which includes: electron radiation, alpha and beta particles, neutron and proton radiation.
There are three ways radiation therapy affects cancer:
- remote;
- contact;
- interstitial.
Varieties of procedure
Currently, there are several varieties of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, the consequences and effectiveness of treatment depend on the form of the disease:
- Conformal. It is used in the event that there is a need for complete and uniform irradiation of a disease-causing tumor. A 3D image is creatededucation. In this case, all tissues and organs located nearby are taken into account. Radiation ions affect only cancer cells, intact organs and tissues remain intact.
- Intensity modulated. The beam that is directed to the tumor is divided into several smaller ones. The strength of each of the beam streams is programmable. In this regard, he althy areas of the prostate receive a small dose of radiation, while disease-causing cells are the main effect.
- Proton. Experts believe that this method is the most effective for prostate cancer. Protons affect only diseased cells, but not all forms of cancer are prescribed this procedure.
- Neutron. Used when other methods have failed.
Remote exposure
Features of this type of irradiation are that during the session there is a detrimental effect not only on diseased cells, but also on he althy ones. A special apparatus is used for the procedure, it helps to regulate the wavelength, which contributes to the maximum possible reduction in the effect of rays on a he althy area.
This equipment is high precision and should only be operated by a trained technician. If the device is used incorrectly, the patient may not improve his condition, but, on the contrary, worsen it.
First, an examination is performed, after which a volumetric location of the tumor is built, and then the doctor tries to direct radio waves at it.
External beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer is given every day or according to a schedule compiled by the attending physician for seven to eight weeks.
Remote therapy, in turn, is divided into two types: fixed and mobile.
The first view is as follows:
- The patient is placed in one specific position.
- They send a radiation source at it (it is also stationary).
Second view, mobile:
- Move the radiation source.
- They point it at the prostate tumor, the device moves around the patient and acts on cancer cells from all sides.
Sometimes when using this method, a short break in treatment is required.
Interstitial method (brachytherapy)
An effective cancer treatment is brachytherapy. This method is most successful if the tumor is located within the prostate gland. Its essence is as follows: with the help of a special needle, a radioactive substance is injected into the tumor. Iodine-125 is used as a substance. The procedure is under ultrasound control.
Depending on how the capsules containing the radioactive substance are located, brachytherapy is divided into:
- intracavitary;
- interstitial;
- intravascular.
After the procedure, the patient is in the hospital for a day. Relief comes in a few days. The radioactive material decays intobody for two months. During this time, cancer cells die.
The main plus of brachytherapy is that radiation affects only damaged cells, he althy ones remain intact. That is why after this procedure, there are fewer complications than after remote irradiation.
Proton method and adjuvant therapy
This is one of the non-invasive types of radiation therapy that helps get rid of prostate cancer. This method is based on the most precise action of radiation on the pathogenic point formed in the gland. Due to the fact that the dose is distributed accurately, all forms of cancer are completely cured. No side effects.
The next option is adjuvant radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Used as:
- prevention;
- auxiliary;
- complementary to surgery.
The goal of this therapy is to destroy the secondary tumor.
This method affects the spread of cancer cells and their growth. The energy of powerful radiation is capable of killing diseased cells that remain after the operation. In this way, the effectiveness of treatment is increased. Depending on the desired purpose, internal or external radiation is used. It is directed to the site of tumor formation, reducing the risk of recurrence of oncology in this area.
Palliative radiotherapy
This radiation therapy is most commonly used for prostate cancer. The consequences of the disease in this case reach the fourth stage. The palliative view is aimed at alleviating the patient's condition. External beam radiation therapy helps to reduce swelling and pain and involves the following activities:
- To relieve the symptoms of the disease, surgical intervention is performed, transurethral resection of the prostate. Palliative care can reduce the progression of the disease.
- This type of radiation therapy is prescribed in combination with hormonal drugs in the last stage of prostate cancer. This event reduces pain, eliminates the side effects of cancer cells.
- When detecting locally advanced prostate cancer, the ultrasound ablation technique is used, which also belongs to palliative therapy. It helps eliminate the side effects of the disease.
Effects of radiotherapy
Although the introduction of new techniques can reduce negative feelings after the procedure, it is still radiation therapy. With prostate cancer, the consequences after it still exist:
- There are problems with the rectum. Diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome may occur. Over time, these troubles go away.
- There are questions related to the work of the bladder and urination. The patient suffers from frequent urination, burning during it and the presence of blood in the urine. These troubles pass after a while.
- Development of impotence and erectile dysfunction. The incidence of these problems is the same as after surgery.intervention. But there is a difference: after the operation, impotence develops immediately, and after irradiation - gradually, over the course of a year.
- After radiation therapy has been used for prostate cancer (reviews of patients who have undergone this procedure confirm this), at first, constant fatigue and fatigue are felt. This state persists for a couple of months.
- The outflow of lymph is disturbed. This is the cause of swelling of the lower extremities.
- Narrowing of the urethra. Sometimes the urethra is damaged, the outflow of urine is disturbed.
How to behave during treatment
Many are concerned about the question: what to expect after radiation therapy for prostate cancer? Its effectiveness depends on compliance with the following rules:
- During the procedure, nutrition should be not only high-calorie, but also complete. The diet should include all vitamins and minerals. Be sure to observe the drinking regime (up to three liters of fluid per day).
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Clothes should be loose, light, made from natural fabrics. It is desirable to keep the radiation zones open. When going outside, they must be protected from the sun.
- Do not use soap and other cosmetics. Be mindful of body markings when showering.
- If you experience redness, itching, heavy sweating, be sure to consult your doctor.
- Permanentoutdoor walks, appropriate physical activity, sound and good sleep - this is another step towards getting rid of the disease.
Life after radiotherapy
Recovery begins immediately after the end of the irradiation sessions. It includes the following points:
- rest during the day;
- good sleep;
- gentle mode;
- emotional mood;
- proper and nutritious nutrition;
- giving up all bad habits.
During this period, the help of not only a doctor, but also relatives is very important.
Because the treatment is not finished yet, you will have to go for procedures and studies, the emotional state often changes in this regard. The main thing during this period is not to withdraw into oneself, to communicate with friends and relatives. Try to keep the usual rhythm of life, do not give up household chores. If you are a little tired, lie down and rest.
If you work, ask management to put you on easy work for at least a while. It is best, of course, to take a vacation during the rehabilitation period.
If all the doctor's recommendations are followed, the rehabilitation period will pass calmly, quickly and easily.
Efficiency of procedure
The results are different at different stages:
- Irradiation in the first stage can replace surgery, he althy ones remain intactorgans and tissues.
- After a prostatectomy, radiation therapy is used for prostate cancer. The consequences after the operation in this case become minimal, as pathogenic cells are destroyed.
- In the later stages of the disease, radiation reduces pain.
Your he alth is in your hands. Try to visit your doctor regularly. He will monitor the course of the disease and prescribe treatment at the slightest deterioration.
