Radiation Therapy: Myths vs. Reality

Radiation therapy is a crucial part of cancer treatment, with more than half of cancer patients receiving it at some stage. This treatment, also referred to as radiation treatment, irradiation, or radiotherapy, uses high-energy waves or particle streams to target and destroy cancer cells.

Like a chest X-ray, the procedure is quick and painless. Radiation therapy can be applied to nearly any cancer type, with common targets including lung, prostate, breast, and rectal cancers. Certain benign conditions, such as thyroid eye disease and keloids, can also be treated with this method.

However, misconceptions about radiation therapy often lead to confusion and anxiety. To help inform patients considering this treatment for themselves or a loved one, common myths about radiation therapy will be addressed.

Myth #1: Radiotherapy is very painful

The majority of patients do not experience any discomfort during radiation treatments. While some individuals may notice skin changes or feel tired afterward, the treatment process itself is generally pain-free.

Myth #2: Radiation therapy makes you radioactive

No, radiotherapy does not make you radioactive. External beam radiation therapy, the most common type, uses a machine to direct high-energy beams at the cancer from outside the body. You are not radioactive during or after this treatment.

However, there are some internal radiation therapies, such as brachytherapy or systemic radiation therapy, where radioactive materials are placed inside the body temporarily or permanently. In these cases, you may emit low levels of radiation for a short period, but this is typically not a risk to others if proper precautions are followed. Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions if this applies to you.

Myth #3: Side effects are immediate and severe for everyone

No, side effects from radiotherapy are not immediate and severe for everyone. The experience varies greatly among individuals and depends on several factors, including the type and location of cancer, the dose and duration of radiation therapy, and the patient’s overall health.
 

Myth #4: Radiation therapy causes new cancers

Radiation therapy is designed to target and destroy cancer cells, but like any medical treatment, it can have potential long-term risks, including a small chance of developing a new, secondary cancer. This risk is generally low and varies depending on several factors.

It’s important to note that the benefits of radiation therapy in treating primary cancer often outweigh the small risk of developing secondary cancer. Healthcare providers carefully consider these risks and benefits when recommending radiation therapy as part of a treatment plan.

Myth #5 Radiation will destroy all healthy tissues

Radiation therapy is designed to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. However, it is not always possible to completely avoid affecting some healthy cells, especially those in close proximity to the cancer. The goal is to deliver a dose that is effective against the cancer while keeping the impact on healthy tissue as low as possible.

Myth #6: You can never have radiation treatment again

It is not accurate to say that you can never have radiation treatment again. The ability to undergo additional radiation therapy depends on several factors, including the type and location of the cancer, the dose and area previously treated, and the time that has passed since the last treatment.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Previous treatment details: The specifics of your previous radiation therapy, such as the total dose received and the area treated
• Tissue tolerance: Different tissues and organs have varying tolerances to radiation. Some tissues can recover over time, while others may have more permanent limitations.
• Time interval: The time that has passed since your last radiation treatment can influence the decision. In some cases, a sufficient interval may allow for additional radiation therapy, as healthy tissues have had time to recover.
• Advanced techniques: Modern radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), allow for more precise targeting of cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. These advances can sometimes make additional radiation therapy possible even in previously treated areas.
• Alternative treatments: If additional radiation therapy is not feasible, your healthcare team will explore other treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, to manage the cancer.
  

Myth #7: Radiation therapy burns your skin

Radiation therapy can cause skin changes, including what is sometimes referred to as “radiation burns,” but it’s important to understand that these are typically not the same as thermal burns caused by heat. Instead, they are a side effect of the radiation’s interaction with the skin.
 

Myth #8: Radiotherapy causes complete hair loss

Radiotherapy can cause hair loss, but whether it leads to complete hair loss depends on several factors, including the area being treated, the dose of radiation, and individual characteristics. Here are some key points to consider:

Location of Treatment

• Head and neck: Radiation therapy to the head or neck can result in hair loss in the treated area. The extent of hair loss can vary, and it may be temporary or permanent.
• Other body areas: Radiation therapy to other parts of the body typically does not affect hair on the head. However, it can cause hair loss in the specific area being treated, such as the chest or underarms.
• Dose of radiation: Higher doses of radiation are more likely to cause hair loss. The dose is carefully planned to target the cancer while minimizing side effects, including hair loss.

Temporary vs. Permanent Hair Loss

• Temporary hair loss: In many cases, hair loss from radiotherapy is temporary. Hair may begin to regrow within a few months after treatment ends.
• Permanent hair loss: In some cases, particularly with high doses or repeated treatments, hair loss can be permanent.
• Individual variation: The extent and pattern of hair loss can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience only partial hair loss, while others may have more extensive loss.

Myth #9: You can’t maintain normal activities during treatment

It is not accurate to say that you can’t maintain normal activities during radiation therapy treatment. Many people are able to continue with their daily routines, including work, social activities, and exercise, while undergoing radiation therapy. However, the impact on your daily life can vary depending on several factors: individual experience, side effects, treatment schedule, and supportive care.
 

Myth #10: Radiation therapy is outdated

Radiation therapy is not outdated; in fact, it remains a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in radiation therapy techniques, technology, and delivery methods, enhancing its effectiveness and reducing side effects. For example, Mediq RT, Synaptiq’s software, is an AI platform that can and is revolutionizing radiation therapy planning by enhancing automation, precision, and personalization. As AI technologies continue to advance, their role in radiation therapy planning is expected to grow, further improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy is generally considered safe and effective when administered by trained professionals following established protocols. However, like any medical treatment, it comes with potential risks and side effects. The safety of radiation therapy depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the dose and duration of treatment, and the patient’s overall health.

Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in radiotherapy planning, particularly in identifying and protecting organs at risk (OARs). OARs are healthy tissues and structures near the tumor that need to be shielded from excessive radiation to minimize side effects and complications. As AI technologies continue to advance, their role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of radiotherapy is expected to grow, further improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

If you have concerns about the safety of radiation therapy, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare team, who can provide personalized information and guidance based on your specific situation.

Sources and References

1. Physical, Leisure, and Daily Living Activities in Patients Before, During, and After Radiotherapy for Cancer. Which Patients Need Support in Activities?, Efverman, Anna PhD.
2. Radiation induced secondary malignancies: a review article, Chinna Babu Dracham et al.
3. Radiation therapy-associated toxicity: Etiology, management, and prevention, Kyle Wang Md, Joel E. Tepper MD.
4. Adverse Effects of Radiation Therapy, Hafsa Majeed; Vikas Gupta.