Radiation therapy is a personalized treatment for every patient
Different radiation therapy types
Radiation therapy is a personalized therapy and depends on various factors such as the type tumor, its location, the radiation treatment duration and the type of therapy. Different radiation therapy types can be distinguished: internal, external and so called metabolic radiation therapy. When radiation beams are delivered by a machine outside the body, it is called external radiation therapy. The beams will go through the skin before reaching the tumor. If the source of radiation therapy is placed inside the body, close to the cancer cells, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. Metabolic radiotherapy involves a radioactive device, given orally (through drink or capsule) or injected intravenously. Once swallowed or injected the device attaches itself to the cancer cells to destroy them.
 | Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)
Superficial Radiation Therapy is a non-invasive, painless, and cosmetically attractive alternative to surgery to fight cancerous cells. This treatment method aims at destroying cancer cells which are located in the skin or the directly underlying tissue. X-rays are used to deliver low doses of radiation (in the range of 50 to 150vKp) to shrink a tumor. This type of therapy avoids deep tissue damage and minimizes scarring, in particular on and around the face. StrataXRT is suitable for use with SRT for the management of benign conditions and early stage skin with SRT for the management of benign conditions and early stage skin cancer or prevention of a regrowth of a new keloid after surgical removal.6 |
 | External radiation therapy Or external beam radiation (Teletherapy)
The aim of external radiation therapy is to reach a tumor that cannot be removed by surgery, but one that is suitably located not to use chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is a personalized therapy and depends on the type and the location of a tumor. A patient will always receive a unique treatment. Before starting an external radiation session, the patient will undergo a simulation to determine the best way to reach the tumor and save surrounding tissues at the same time. Doctors will also calculate the total radiation dose and number of sessions.8 Each beam will pass through the skin before reaching the tumor. The goal is to deliver a maximum of radiations to the tumor. This will kill the cancer cells thus cause the tumor to shrink. During or after a session, the patient does not emit any radiation. Depending on countries and protocols, the treatment schedule varies from a few days up to a few weeks.8 |
 | Internal radiation Or internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy)
Radiation is given through radioactive materials (normally isotopes) that are inserted into the body and are placed in close contact with the tumor. The radiation dosage can be modulated depending on the inserted device. Patients may emit radiation at low doses and special behavioral instructions are given to monitor contact with children and infants.9 |
 | Metabolic radiation therapy Or systemic radiation therapy / unsealed source radionuclide therapy
The aim of this therapy is to target small sized tumors which are spread throughout the body. Radioactive drugs (injected or swallowed) with special biological properties will be used to selectively target the tumor cells.9 |
| Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)
Superficial Radiation Therapy is a non-invasive, painless, and cosmetically attractive alternative to surgery to fight cancerous cells. This treatment method aims at destroying cancer cells which are located in the skin or the directly underlying tissue. X-rays are used to deliver low doses of radiation (in the range of 50 to 150vKp) to shrink a tumor. This type of therapy avoids deep tissue damage and minimizes scarring, in particular on and around the face. StrataXRT is suitable for use with SRT for the management of benign conditions and early stage skin with SRT for the management of benign conditions and early stage skin cancer or prevention of a regrowth of a new keloid after surgical removal.6 |
