Radiation therapy uses beams of energy to destroy cancer cells left behind after surgery. The gold standard treatment for glioblastomas is radiation given over six weeks alongside chemotherapy treatment — a combination called the “Stupp protocol.”
Side effects from radiation treatment on the brain can include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Hair loss
- Trouble with memory or concentration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry or peeling skin
- Skin color changes
- Headaches
- Vision changes
Your provider may recommend one of several radiation options, depending on your tumor’s location and type.
3D Radiation
This radiation type directs energy beams at tumor cells from many directions. A radiation oncologist meticulously plans this treatment based on scans that show the tumor’s location. 3D radiation focuses more directly on cancer cells and causes less damage to nearby tissue than older 2D methods.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) works like 3D radiation, with beams aimed from several directions. But it uses smaller beams and more of them, allowing the radiation to target a very specific area. The strength of certain beams can be adjusted for even more accuracy.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
This radiation type uses more intense and focused energy beams. It works best for small tumors that have well-defined edges. Your health facility may offer different types of stereotactic radiosurgery, including Gamma Knife or CyberKnife.
Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy, a surgeon places a tiny radioactive object near the tumor during surgery. This object (usually a ribbon or capsule) releases steady doses of radiation, which destroys the tumor cells nearby. Providers recommend this treatment less often because of side effects, like exposing people nearby to radiation.
Proton Therapy
Proton therapy uses a different type of energy particle than other forms of radiation. Most radiation machines use photons, which target the tumor but scatter radiation to nearby areas. Proton beams can stop at the tumor site. They also deliver less radiation to nearby tissues on their way to the tumor.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this radiation treatment, but not every cancer center has the equipment to use it, and many insurers don’t cover the expense.
Read the full article here
