Who are Radiation Oncologists? A Closer Look at this Profession

Radiation oncology is a highly specialized and important field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of tumors with radiation therapy. Let us take a closer look at what radiation oncology is all about and the valuable contributions that radiation oncologists make to cancer patients. By gaining insight into this profession, we can appreciate the crucial role radiation oncologists play in the fight against cancer.

What is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of cancer with radiation therapy. The radiation oncologist is responsible for diagnosing and treating cancer with either external or internal beam radiation. Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-ray beams or other high energy waves to penetrate the skin and kill the cancer cells directly.

Types of Radiation Therapy Treatments

Cancer patients have a variety of radiation therapy options available, making it crucial for them to consult with a radiation oncologist who can determine the most suitable treatment. Let's take a closer look at some commonly used radiation therapy treatments:

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This method involves using a machine to precisely deliver high-energy beams to target cancer cells. It is used to treat localized cancers, that is, the cancers affecting a specific body part such as breast, colon, uterine, lung, prostate, head & neck. External radiation can be delivered in the following different ways:

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT is a form of advanced radiation therapy that uses linear accelerators to safely and precisely deliver radiation to the tumor site. It is a type of conformal radiotherapy, in which radiation beams are configured to fit the cancer site. Now-a-days IMRT is administered with a standard radiotherapy machine called, LINAC (linear accelerator). It is used to treat specific types of cancers such as breast, prostate, head and neck.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): This radiation therapy method delivers highly precise gamma radiation doses to specific target areas. It is a non-surgical approach primarily employed for treating small brain tumors. SRS's precision allows it to spare healthy tissues while focusing on the targeted tumor.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT is a radiation therapy technique that delivers high doses of gamma or x-ray radiation with pinpoint accuracy to a specific region of the body. Unlike SRS, it is used to treat tumors in areas outside the brain. SBRT can be administered in either a single large dose or multiple doses at closely spaced intervals.
• Proton Therapy: Proton therapy stands as an advanced approach to radiation treatment, employing high-energy protons instead of conventional x-rays to target and combat tumors. This cutting-edge method is often chosen when tumors are positioned near vital organs or sensitive tissues. A noteworthy advantage of proton therapy lies in its ability to minimize adverse effects on patients, as it inflicts less harm to the surrounding healthy tissues.

Internal Radiation Therapy or Brachytherapy:

In this radiation therapy technique, radioactive substances are strategically positioned within the patient's body using devices like wires, seeds, or rods. This precise placement allows for the targeted destruction of cancer cells. Brachytherapy is commonly used for the treatment of conditions like cervical, breast and prostate cancers.

Systemic Radiation Therapy:

This approach to radiation treatment aims to combat cancer cells throughout the entire body. It depends on the application of a variety of radioactive medications or nuclides, typically delivered in liquid form and administered to the patient via oral ingestion or intravenous injection. Each medication is customized to address specific types of cancers.

What is the Role of Radiation Oncologists in Cancer Care?

Radiation oncologists are an important part of Cancer Care. These specialists provide cancer treatment with radiation therapy. They play an important role in helping patients receive the best possible care by providing expert guidance on how best to use radiation therapy and working closely with other healthcare team members to ensure a successful treatment plan. Their responsibilities include:

• Cancer staging and diagnosis
• Creating a radiation therapy strategy
• Administering radiation treatment
• Tracking and controlling the negative effects of treatment
• Continual care and assistance
• Collaborating and working together with a diversified team of healthcare professionals
• Keeping up with current radiation oncology advancements and technology
• Informing patients and their families of the advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy.

If you are looking to consult a radiation oncologist, The American Oncology Institute (AOI) could be the best choice. AOI offers cancer treatment services with an emphasis on innovative procedures including radiation therapy. Our expert team of radiation oncologists, are armed with years of experience and are constantly adapting themselves to new treatments for their patients. From developing innovative therapies to managing difficult cases, these physicians are critical players in the fight against cancer.