RADIATION
THERAPY
The physician's prescription defines the area(s) to be treated,
the amount of radiation dose, the duration of the course
of therapy and the type of treatment or technique that will
be used. This prescription, combined with the films created
during the simulation, enable the Dosimetrist and Physicist
to develop an individualized treatment plan.
An image
of the tumor is created by using one or more of the following
scanning techniques: traditional X-ray, CT
scans, MRI or PET scans. Then the treatment plan is designed
of multiple treatment areas (or fields) to deliver an optimal
radiation dose to the tumor, while minimizing the amount
of radiation delivered to delicate surrounding tissues.
The treatment plan may also involve block designs to protect
tissue, field weighting to determine the amount of radiation
to be delivered in each field or area and the field's various
angles of entry and energy (or type of radiation used). Each
individual treatment plan is thoroughly reviewed by a physicist
and a physician. Once the plan has been approved, a treatment
chart is prepared.
The treatment chart consists of two types: Electronic
and Paper. The paper chart is used on a daily basis by the
radiation therapists to record the amount and duration of
the patient's radiation dose. The electronic chart verifies
the proper machine setting and dosage delivery, electronically.
This is created through a link between the treatment planning
computer and the linear accelerator (treatment machine).
Click
here to download a slideshow with more information on
radiation therapy.
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