Radiation and Side Effects Flashcards
What is Radiation Therapy?
Uses high energy rays or particles to kill cells
What are the most common forms of radiation?
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
- Electrons
- Protons
What % of cancer survivors receive Radiation therapy? Who receives RT?
50% and will vary who receives based on type of cancer
How does Radiation differ from Chemo?
- Localized (specific site)
- Can’t differentiate between healthy and cancer cells
What does radiation do to cells?
Breaks strands of DNA in cell, preventing cell from dividing
When is RT given?
- Primary treatment (frontline treatment)
- Neo-adjuvant (prior to surgery shrinking tumour)
- Adjuvant (after surgery to kill left over regional cancer cells)
Types of RT
- External beam radiation
- Brachytherapy (interstitial and intracavitary)
What is external beam radiation?
Simulation - marks made on body with ink to landmark. Area to be radiated in pinpointed with imaging. Image formed is called the “treatment field”. Molds or cast made to keep body stable in machine
What is the external beam radiation machine called?
Linear Accelerator
When is external beam radiation done?
Given on weekdays, weekends off
Usually 5-8 weeks long
How is interstitial brachytherapy delivered and what is inserted?
From an inside source. Radioactive material placed near or into the tumour
Where is intracavitary brachytherapy delivered?
Radiation source placed in a body cavity
What is the duration of high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy?
left in for a few minutes
What is the duration of low dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy?
left in for 1-7 days
Characteristics of RT side effects
- Vary considerably from person to person
- Not as bad as chemotherapy
How are RT side effects divided?
Early and Late effects
early - during or shortly after treatment
late - take months or years to develop, are permanent
What are early RT side effects?
- Fatigue
- Skin changes
- Loss of appetite
What type of fatigue does RT cause? What does this interfere with?
Physical, emotional, mental tiredness that interferes with daily activities
What is radiation fatigue caused by?
Stress, sleep disruptions, effect of radiation cells
When does fatigue increase?
over the course of RT treatment
How many patients report fatigue during and after treatment?
78-89% during treatment
30% months following
What is Cancer related fatigue? What is it related to?
Same as radiation fatigue, may in part be related to deconditioning
What type of cancers has research shown that PA improves fatigue?
PA may improve fatigue in breast and prostate cancer survivors.
What types of PA has research explored to improve fatigue?
A four week long intervention studied walking and resistance training (resistance bands)
Does fatigue act as a barrier for PA?
Yes, it’s one of the top 3 barriers as it reduces the likelihood of exercise
What are some things that can be done to tackle the fatigue PA barrier?
- Walk!
- Fun ways to be active to reduce focus on PA but increase focus on having fun
- Exercise with a partner
- Do things they enjoy
What can happen to skin due to RT?
Red, irritated, sunburned
Do skin problems get better?
Yes, can get better after treatment, but long term effects can be present
How do skin problems affect physical activity?
- Embarrassed of how it looks
- Sweating causes irritation
- Pain/discomfort
How does RT effect appetite?
Causes eating and digestive problems:
- Diarrhea
- Swallowing issues
How does appetite related to physical activity?
- Not enough energy to exercise
- PA may increase appetite
What are Late RT side effects?
Abdomen or Pelvis:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Bladder dysfunction
Chest:
- Heart/lung damage
- Scarring
Is their research on PA improving appetite?
No much research but one study that looked at many side effects did show an improvement in appetite after PA
