Modern Radiation Therapy: What Do IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, and Protons Mean?
Radiation therapy has evolved tremendously in recent decades. Today, we have advanced technologies that allow us to treat cancer with greater precision, protecting healthy tissues and reducing side effects. But many patients wonder: what do acronyms like IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, or proton therapy actually mean? Let’s break them down in simple terms. IMRT – Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy IMRT is an advanced […]
Radiation Therapy + Other Treatments: How They Work Together to Fight Cancer
Cancer treatment often requires a combined approach. Radiation therapy works best when paired with other methods like surgery, chemotherapy, or, more recently, immunotherapy. Why Combine Treatments? Not all cancer cells respond the same way. By using different approaches, the tumor is attacked from multiple angles, improving both local and systemic control. What Are the Most […]
What happens after finishing radiotherapy?
Follow-Up, Recovery, and Life After Treatment Completing radiation therapy is a significant milestone, but it may also bring new questions. What comes next? How will I feel? What follow-up will I need? When Will We Know If It Worked? Most treatments don’t show immediate results. Follow-up tests—such as mammograms, CT scans, or tumor markers, depending […]
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. Unlike chemotherapy, which travels through the entire body, radiation therapy works locally, targeting the specific area where the tumor is located. The main goal is to damage the DNA of cancer cells so they can’t continue multiplying. Over time, […]
Is Chemotherapy Before Surgery Effective for Metaplastic Breast Cancer?
Metaplastic breast cancer is a rare but particularly aggressive form of breast tumor, accounting for less than 1% of all cases. Unlike more common breast cancers, this type typically responds poorly to conventional treatments, including traditional chemotherapy. A recent study by researchers at the renowned Duke Cancer Institute (USA) analyzed data from 4,601 women diagnosed with this cancer between […]
Radiation Therapy Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage Them
Every patient is unique, but there are common side effects during radiation therapy. Knowing about them in advance helps you prepare, prevent, and manage them better. What Are Acute Side Effects? Acute side effects occur during treatment or in the weeks afterward. They vary depending on the treated area:• Red or irritated skin (similar to […]
Inclusion Criteria for the “Watch and Wait” Protocol in Rectal Cancer and its Importance in Adherence to Follow-up
The “Watch and Wait” protocol has become an important strategy in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. This approach involves carefully monitoring patients who have responded favorably to neoadjuvant treatment (radiotherapy and chemotherapy), without the need for immediate surgery, with the goal of preserving anal sphincter function and avoiding colostomy. The inclusion criteria for applying the “Watch […]
Neoadjuvant Therapy Protocols for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, and Radiation Oncology. One of the most effective strategies in managing this type of cancer is the use of neoadjuvant therapy, which involves administering treatment before surgery to reduce tumor size and improve surgical outcomes. There are different neoadjuvant therapy protocols, which vary in their combination […]
Outcomes of the Nigro Protocol in the Treatment of Anal Cancer
The Nigro protocol marked a turning point in the treatment of anal cancer. Developed in 1974 by Dr. Norman Nigro, this therapeutic approach combined chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C) with external beam radiation therapy as the primary treatment—challenging the traditional standard of radical surgery. The original study included 30 patients diagnosed with anal canal cancer, […]