25 Principles of Radiation Therapy

In this video, Dr. Dan describes different forms of radiation, including electromagnetic radiation (photons), high-energy particle (electrons, protons), and radioisotopes undergoing radioactive decay . While environmental exposures of radiation can cause DNA damage and lead to the development of cancers, radiation therapy (RT) in a controlled and focused manner can be used to treat cancers. Radiation therapy is a localized therapy within a planned radiation field that is prepared by a Radiation Oncologist during a planning session called a Simulation. Dr Dan discusses the most common form of radiation therapy (RT) used for gastroesophageal cancers of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT, XRT) administered through a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) with X-rays, as well as the less commonly used brachytherapy and radioisotope therapy. Dr. Dan discusses the uses of RT for both the curative-intent setting as an adjunct to (or replacement of) surgery in certain circumstances (mostly for esophageal cancers, particularly Squamous Cell Cancers SCC) as well as the palliative setting for either the primary tumor or symptomatic metastatic sites if not well-controlled with systemic therapy. Side effects of radiation both in the acute phase (during and right after RT) and chronic phase (months to years after completing the RT) are discussed. Finally, an introduction to proton beam therapy is provided, and contrasted to standard X-ray EBRT.

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