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260 Cards in this Set
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- Back
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What is the goal of Radiation Therapy? |
The goal of RT is to deliver an equally distributed radiation dose to a target volume while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal tissue and critical structures.
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Define and asses the components used in tumor classification.
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Tumors are classified by their anatomic site, cell of origin, and biological behavior.
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What are well-differentiated tumors?
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These tumors closely resemble the cell of origin and can be easily classified based on their histology.
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What are undifferentiated tumors?
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These tumors are more difficult to classify and may also be called anaplastic.
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Mesenchymal Cell Tumors
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Tumors that arise from mesenchymal cells (connective tissue) are termed sarcomas.
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What are carcinomas?
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Carcinomas are tumors that originate from the epithelium (cells that cover a surface or line a cavity).
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What two categories are tumors divided into based on their behavior and malignancies?
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Benign & malignant.
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What are the effects of benign tumors?
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Benign tumors that have adverse effects on the host are considered behaviorally malignant.
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What does the suffix -oma mean?
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Benign; well-differentiated; do not metastasize or invade surrounding tissue; encapsulated; slow growing; but can still be dangerous depending on location
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What does the suffix carci- or sarc- mean?
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Malignant; range from well-differentiated to undifferentiated; have the ability to metastasize by lymphatics, blood, or seeding; invade and destroy normal surrounding tissue; can cause death if left untreated
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What is tumor staging?
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Tumor staging is a means of defining the tumor size and extension at the time of diagnosis and is important in that it provides a means of communication about tumors, helps in determining the best treatment, aids in predicting prognosis and provides a means for continuing research.
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What is the TNM system?
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T: Defines the size or extent of the primary tumor
N: Designates the status of lymph nodes and the extent of their involvement M: Defines the presence and extent of metastasis |
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How is the grade of a tumor developed?
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The grade of a tumor provides information about its aggressiveness and is based on the degree of differentiation. The grade can only be determined by examining cells obtained through a biopsy under a microscope.
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What is the most important prognostic indicator?
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The grade of the tumor.
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Which is more important, the grade or the stage of bone and muscle tumors?
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The grade is more important as it determines the treatment and prognosis.
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What do the stage and grade offer?
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The stage and grade offer an accurate picture of the tumor and its behavior.
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What are tumors classified by?
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Anatomic site, cell of origin and biological behavior.
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What are undifferentiated tumors classified as?
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Anaplastic and they DO NOT resemble normal cells.
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What is a benign tumor?
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A tumor that is well differentiated but does not metastasize or invade surround normal tissue.
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What is a malignant tumor?
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These tumors range from well-differentiated to undifferentiated.
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What can malignant tumors do?
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Malignant tumors have the ability to metastasize or spread to a site in the body distant from the primary site. They often invade and destroy normal surrounding tissue and can cause death to the host if not treated.
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What are epithelial cells that are glandular called?
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Adenocarcimoma
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How does surgery play a role in cancer?
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It plays a role in diagnosis, staging, primary treatment palliation, and identification of treatment response.
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What is palliation?
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Non-curative treatment to relieve pain and suffering when the disease has reached the stage at which a cure is no longer possible.
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How is a biopsy obtained?
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Surgery is used to perform a biopsy of a suspected mass to determine whether the mass is malignant and, if so, the cellular origin.
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What are the common biopsy methods?
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The common biopsy methods are fine-needle aspiration, core needle, endoscopic, incisional, and excisional.
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What is find-needle aspiration?
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Fine needle aspiration is a form of biopsy where sample cells are collected in the needle from several areas of the suspected tumor.
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What is a core needle biopsy?
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Core needle biopsy is conducted when core tissue is collected after being inserted into the tumor.
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What is endoscopic biopsy?
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Endoscopic biopsy is collected through a scope.
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What is incisional biopsy?
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Incisional biopsy occurs when a sample of the tumor is removed with no attempt at removing the whole tumor.
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What is excisional biopsy?
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Excisional biopsy occurs when an attempt is made to remove the entire tumor.
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What is the information obtained through biopsy used for?
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Treatment planning.
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What is a surgical approach most successful for achieving?
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Removing small tumors that have not spread to neighboring tissues or organs. During surgery, an attempt is made to remove the entire tumor.
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What stage of tumors can effectively be treated by radiation?
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Early stage tumors.
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What form(s) are radiation administered?
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Through the use of external beam x-rays, electrons, protons or gamma rays.
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Radiation Therapy & Palliation
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Radiation therapy plays a major role in palliation, and eliminates pain and prevents fractures.
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What is radiation therapy limited to?
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Radiation therapy is limited to a local area of treatment so that other critical structures are not harmed during treatment.
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What is prognosis?
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Prognosis is an estimation of the life expectancy of a cancer patient based on all of the information obtained about the tumor and from clinical trials.
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What is natural history?
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Natural history is the normal progression of a tumor without treatment which gives information about the tumor behavior.
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Natural History
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The natural history also helps determine the most effective treatment for the patient.
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What does the method of treatment determine?
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The prognosis based on the information from clinical trials. Also, when treatments improve, so does the prognosis. Finding the most effective combo of treatment has a profound effect on the prognosis.
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What does a Radiation Oncologist do?
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The RO reviews patient medical history and then discusses treatment options with patients. A treatment plan is developed after simulation occurs. RO follows up with patient following treatment.
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What is the role of a Radiation Physicist?
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The role of a RP is to ensure the safety and proper operation of medical devices that use radiation sources. a MRP makes frequent rounds in a facility to monitor radiation levels, determines whether professionals or patients are at risk of exposure & establishes effective safety procedures.
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What does a Dosimetrist do?
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The Dosimetrist is responsible for designing the patient's treatment plan to accomplish the RO's prescription using the most effective techniques possible.
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What is the role of the Radiation Therapist?
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The role of the RT is to perform simulation and answer patient questions concerning treatment and the process. An RT sees the patient reaction to treatment, implements the treatment plan and educates the patient about skin care, nutrition and support services as well as provides appropriate referrals if necessary.
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What is the role of the Nurse?
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The Nurse educates the patient about skin care, nutrition and support services and provides appropriate referrals as necessary.
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What is the role of Support Staff Members?
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SSM obtain a patient's medical records and diagnostic images and get insurance and appropriate personal information. They also inform other team members when a patient has arrived.
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What is the role of Clerical Staff Members?
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CSM obtain a patient's medical records and diagnostic images and get insurance and appropriate personal information. They also inform other team members when a patient has arrived.
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What is metastasis?
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Metastasis occurs when cancerous tumor cells spread from the place where it first started to another location in the body.
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How does metastasis occur?
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Met occurs as it is spread through the blood, lymphatics and seeding. Tumor cells that invade the blood or lymph vessels can be transported to distant sites in the body.
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Can tumors spread to specific sites?
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Yes, many tumors have the propensity to spread to specific sites.
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Where does prostate cancer commonly metastasize to?
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PC usually metastasizes to the bones. A bone scan is done if PC has metastasized.
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What is "seeding"?
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Seeding is when cells break off from the primary tumor and spread to a new site where they grow.
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Where do cells from medulloblastoma seed into?
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Cells from medulloblastoma usually seed to the spinal canal by means of the cerebrospinal fluid, thus necessitating the treatment of the spinal cord and brain.
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POP-Hinge Angle
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180 degrees and includes AP/PA + RT/LT Lat + RAO/LPO
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Four Field
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90 degrees and includes AP + PA + RT Lat + LT Lat
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What is the role of the RT in patient identification?
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The RT identifies the patient by two identifiers. This can be by the name, birthday or wristband of the patient. Also, simulation is an ideal time for RTs to assess medical condition and educational/ support needs of each patient.
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What is the RT responsible for when it comes to preparation?
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The RT should be prepared to educate the patient about skin care, nutrition, and support services and provide appropriate referrals as necessary.
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What is the RTs role when it comes to communication?
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The RT should be prepared to explain simulation and treatment procedures to the patient and answer any questions the patient may have. Patient understanding = empowerment of the patient. Questions should be anticipated.
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Define SSD.
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SSD is the Source to Skin Distance which is the distance from the source of radiation to the skin surface of the patient.
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Define ODI.
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ODI is the Optical Distance Indicator which is also known as the rangefinder, it projects a scale onto the patient's skin, which corresponds to the source to skin distance (SSD) used during the simulation process.
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AP
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Front side of body penetrating to backside of body while patient is lying on back.
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PA
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Back side of body penetrating to the front side of body.
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RT
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Right side of body, if patient is facing RT their left side is your right side.
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LT
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Left side of body, if patient is facing RT, their right side is your left side.
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LAO
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The beam enters from the left side, penetrating from the front to the back.
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LPO
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The beam enters from the left side, penetrating from back to front.
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RAO
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The beam enters from the right side, penetrating from front to back.
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RPO
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The beam enters from the right side, penetrating from back to front.
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Attenuation
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The removal of photons and electrons from a radiation beam by scatter or absorption as it travels through a medium, typically tissue or tissue equivalent material.
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Multileaf Collimator (MLC)
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A distinct part of the linear accelerator that allows treatment field shaping and blocking through the use of motorized leaves in the head of the machine.
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What can MLC replace or reduce?
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MLC can replace or reduce the use of Cerrobend blocks.
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What is bolus?
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Bolus is a tissue equivalent material that is usually placed on the patient to increase the skin dose and/or even out irregular contours in the patient. When bolus is placed on the skin surface for MV radiation, skin sparing is lost.
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What is a wedge?
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A beam modifier that attenuates the beam across a field. It provides a better dose distribution. The thick end of the wedge is the heel and the thin end is the toe. The heel attenuates the greatest amount of radiation.
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What are the wedge sizes?
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15, 30, 45 & 60
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How is the orientation of a wedge determined?
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The orientation is determined as a 45 INCH indicates that the heel of the wedge is positioned into the gantry head.
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Collimation
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Collimation is the definition of radiation beam size and dimensions.
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What is a flattening filter?
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A FF shapes the x-ray beam to block formation such as QC test blocks. (Original beam is curved). It is in place during the use of x-ray target.
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What is scatter foil?
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Scatter foil expands the electron beam and flattens the field. Different foils are used for different electron energies. This is only in use for electron beam treatment. The x-ray target is removed during this type of treatment.
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Where are both the FF and the SF located?
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The flattening filter and the scatter foil are located in the carousel.
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What are the asymmetric jaws?
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The AJs are the 4 independent collimators used to define the field size. They are located between the ion chamber and wedge mount.
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What is patient monitoring during RT treatment?
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Knowledge of good PC and mobilization:
Walk vs. Wheelchair, standing ability Assist patient sitting + laying down Patient able to lay still during treatment/ mobilization device needed |
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Weight loss + Treatment
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If patient has changed eating plan, treatment may need to be reschedule (EX: Prostate). Excessive weight loss = new scout film/ position device.
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Treatment Monitoring by RT
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Monitor skin changes/ tissue damage
Contact dosimetrist if any part of exam is changed: weight loss, patient will miss 1 day of treatment |
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A RT must pay close attention to each day of treatment as...
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...the amount of dose may change, position may change, or the direction of beam may change.
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Multiple Fields-Ports
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Isocenter set ups utilized for accuracy.
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What are the 5 things necessary in a Radiation Oncologist's prescription?
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Site, total dose, daily dose or fx, technique + signature.
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What is cancer screening?
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CS is used to diagnose tumors before they appear. A PAP smear, tumor markers (PSA + CEA), mammograms or fecal occult blood are used.
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What must occur for screening examinations to be useful?
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They must be sensitive, specific, cost-effective and accurate. (False positive, sensitive and low sensitivity readings want to be avoided).
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What does sensitivity identify?
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Sensitivity identifies a tumor in its extremely early stages and specifically identifies a particular part of a disease.
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Define isocenter.
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Isocenter is the point of intersection of the three axes of rotation (gantry + collimator + base of the couch) of the treatment unity. It is the center of the tumor.
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How is cancer prevented?
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Prevention includes routine physical examinations to maintain good health + detect conditions/ diseases early. Prevention + early detection are two of the most important and effective strategies of saving lives lost from cancer, diminishing suffering, and eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
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What is prevention?
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A measure that stops cancer from developing.
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How is early detection used?
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Early detection and diagnosis are keys to successful treatment of cancer. Cancer is identified in its early stages by screening tests. The earlier it is detected, generally the lower the change of metastasis. A PAP smear is used for cervical cancers, fecal occult blood or colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and mammograms for breast cancer.
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What is a sign?
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A sign is an objective finding as perceived by an examiner. EX: The examining doctor may notice signs such as rash, feel a mass or note the color of a patient's skin.
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What is a symptom?
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A symptom is a subjective indication of a disease or a change in condition as perceived by the patient. EX: A patient complains of pain, numbness, dysphagia, dyspnea, difficulty sleeping or lack of appetite.
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What is syndrome?
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A set of signs or symptoms that arise from a common cause.
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What is a diagnosis?
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It is the identification of a disease or condition. It can be subjective or objective.
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What is a subjective diagnosis?
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...it is based on the patient's complaints and medical history, or the doctor's preliminary diagnosis with no evidence or support.
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What is an objective diagnosis?
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...it is based on results of current medical procedures and tests.
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What are proto-oncogens?
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Proto-oncogens are the normal genes that play a part in controlling normal growth and differentiation. PO's are the precursor of oncogenes.
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What are oncogenes?
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Oncogenes are cancer genes.
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What are anti-oncogenes?
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Anti-oncogenes are tumor-suppressor genes.
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G0
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Cells in this phase are fully functioning but are NOT preparing for DNA replication. Most cells making up a tissue or organ are in this phase. They are not depicted as being in the cell cycle continuum as they are not preparing for DNA replication.
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G1
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Known as the first growth phase, characterized by rapid growth and active metabolism. The cell synthesizes the needed RNA fro replication and proteins to carry out cell function in this phase. At the end of this phase, the cell will commit to the replication of DNA.
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S
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S or synthesis is the period where DNA is actually replicated.
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G2
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Known as the second growth phase, the period in which the cell prepares for division. Enzymes and proteins are synthesized and the cell continues to grow. This is a relatively quick phase.
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M
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M or mitotic phase, when the cell undergoes cell division. This is the shortest phase, lasting on average of 2 hours. This is the phase is further divided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.
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Cells + Radiation
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In general, cells are most sensitive to radiation in the G2 and M phase, intermediate sensitivity in the G1 phase, and most resistant in the S phase, especially the late S phase. This does not include the G0 phase as it is not technically a phase in the cell cycle. GO would technically be the most resistant to radiation.
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What are some of the burdens a patient undergoes while receiving radiation treatment?
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The patient has a life outside of treatment with concerns and worries continuing and adding to the emotional, social psychological, physical and financial burdens that come with his or her diagnosis. Other medical concerns unrelated to cancer may complicate treatment and further burden the patient.
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Burdens of RT Treatment
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Time
Emotional, social, psychological Physical Financial Factors include: age, culture, support system, education or family background Resources: social work departments, community services, American Cancer Society + National Cancer Institute |
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MU
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Monitor Unit
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LINAC
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Linear Accelerator
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MLC
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Multi-leaf Collimator
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Blk
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Block-custom
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Bo
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Bolus
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Col
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Collimator Angle
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Gan
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Gantry Angle
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F.S.
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Field Size
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SUP
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Superior
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INF
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Inferior
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SSD
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Source-to-Skin-Distance
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Sep
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Separation/ Thickness
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ABD
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Abdomen
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ALARA
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As Low As Reasonably Achievable
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AP
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Anterio-Posterior
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eV
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Electron Volt
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KeV
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Kiloelectron Volt
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LAO
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Left Anterior Oblique
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LPO
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Left Posterior Oblique
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OBL
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Oblique
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PA
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Postero-Anterior
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RAD
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Radiation Absorbed Dose
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RAO
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Right Anterior Oblique
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ROI
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Region of Interest
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RPO
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Right Posterior Oblique
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BID
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Twice a Day
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Bx
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Biopsy
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Ca
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Cancer; carcinoma
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cGy
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Centi Gray
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FNA
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Fine Needle Aspiration
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FU
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Follow Up
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Gy
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Grays
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What are the top 3 cancers for men and women and from the ACS?
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Women: Breast, lung and bronchus + colon and rectum
Men: Prostate, lung and bronchus + colon and rectum |
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What are the top cancers or death for both men and women?
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Men: Lung and bronchus, prostate + colon and rectum
Women: Lung and bronchus, breast + colon and rectum |
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What are the 5 types of biopsies performed for diagnostic or treatment purposes in RT?
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Fine Needle Aspiration: Sample of cells
Core Needle: Core of tissue Endoscopic: Small sample Incisional: Sample of tumor Excisional: Try to remove entire tumor in one piece |
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What is a retrospective study?
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Information from patients previously treated. An advantage is that the information can be obtained quickly. Drawbacks include that they can lead to errors, sometimes treatment information is incomplete and factors that could have influenced the treatment may not be documented.
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What is a prospective study?
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A trial planned before treatment with eligibility criteria for patient selection. This type of study has better control of external factors that might influence the study. The disadvantage is the length of time needed for the study as it can last up to 5 years or longer.
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What is a phase study?
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A phase study examines the effectiveness of treatment classified by the study objectives.
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What is a Phase I study?
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A study that is used to determine the max tolerance dose for specific treatment, the end point is acute or long term.
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What is a Phase II study?
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Used to determine if Phase I treatment is effective.
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What is a Phase III study?
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Used to compare the experimental with the standard treatment using randomized sample.
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What is a randomized study?
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This type of study compare methods to determine the better outcome. The purpose is to increase the accuracy of results.
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What is survival reporting?
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In planning stages of clinical trials, an end point must be established. Absolute (patients who are dead or alive are counted at the end of the trial), adjusted (includes patients who die from something else), and relative refers to how did "others" fare. End point survival reporting also includes information about the status of disease.
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What is a consultation?
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The initial meeting with the oncologist to discuss what treatment options are possible.
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What is simulation?
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A procedure designed to delineate the treatment fields and construct any necessary immobilization or treatment devices.
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What is a treatment plan?
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A TP is the process by which dose delivery is optimized for a given patient and clinical situation.
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What is treatment?
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The actual radiation treatment in which the patient goes to the hospital on average of 5 days/ week.
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What are weekly visits with a physician?
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Patients will visit with their practicing oncologist to discuss the progress of treatment and growth of the tumor. This is also when adjustments are made to treatment plans if any need to be made.
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What is a follow-up?
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At the end of treatment a patient will meet with the oncologist. Tests are run in hopes of finding that the cancer has not returned. After 5 years of remission, the patient is considered cancer FREE.
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What are the steps involved in conventional simulation?
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"Mockup" of the patient treatment:
Selection of immobilization devices Radiographic documentation of the treatment area Measurements of patient Construction of contours Shaping of fields |
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What are the differences between simulating with a conventional simulator vs a CT simulator?
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Conventional Simulator uses fluoroscopy based simulation, 2D + x-ray equipment that mimics the treatment unit.
CT Simulator: 3D, CT scanner specifically designed for radiation therapy + high performance scanner with laser and patient marking system. Conventional CT Simulator + Helical/ Spiral CT Simulator |
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Define necrosis.
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The death or disintegration of a cell or tissue caused by disease or injury.
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Define anaplastic.
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Pathological description of cells, describing a loss of differentiation and more primitive appearance.
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Define metastasize.
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The process of tumors spreading to a site in the body distant from the primary site.
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Define etiology.
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The study of the causes of disease.
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Define epidemiology.
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The study defining the distribution and determinants causing disease and injury in human populations.
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Define tumor staging.
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The means of defining the tumor size and extension at the time of diagnosis and is important for many reasons. TS provides a means of communication about tumors, helps in determining the best treatment, aids in predicting prognosis + provides a means for continuing research.
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Define grade.
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Provides information about the tumor and its aggressiveness and is based on the degree of differentiation. This is determined only by examining cells obtained through a biopsy under a microscope.
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Define palliation.
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Non-curative treatment to relieve pain and suffering when the disease has reached the stage at which a cure is no longer possible.
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Define biopsy.
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The surgical removal of a small tissue sample from a solid tumor to determine the pathology for the diagnosis of disease.
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Define en bloc.
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French term meaning "in one block." In surgical cancer care, it means "in one specimen."
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Define critical structure.
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CS is normal tissue whose radiation tolerance limits the deliverable dose.
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Define sentinel node.
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SN is the primary lymph node of a specific anatomic area. For EX, the SN for the breast is most commonly located near the axilla.
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Define brachytherapy.
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Radiation treatment of disease accomplished by inserting radioactive sources directly into the tumor site.
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Define prognosis.
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Estimation of life expectancy.
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Define natural history.
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The normal progression of a tumor without treatment.
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What are the main duties of a RT?
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Play advocate role for the patient in regards to their radiation treatment, deliver radiation therapy treatments, operate radiation-producing instrument + maintain detailed treatment records.
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Lung
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Liver, adrenal glands, bones + brain
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Breast
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Lungs, bone + brain
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Stomach
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Liver
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Anus
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Liver + Lungs
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Bladder
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Lungs, bone + liver
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Prostate
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Bone, liver + lungs
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Common Metastatic Site of Primary Uterine Cervix
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Lungs, bone + liver
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What are the different field arrangements?
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Field arrangements are commonly used in practice are anteroposterior-posteroanterior opposed fields followed by obliques. For the oblique component, field arrangements can include an anterior field with a left and right posterior oblique pair or opposed right anterior and left posterior obliques.
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G0
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Post-Mitotic Resting Stage
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G1
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Post-Mitotic Stage
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S
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DNA Synthesis
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G2
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Pre-Mitotic Stage
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M
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Mitosis or Cell Division
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Why does treatment NOT occur 24/7?
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"S" cells are often resistant to treatment, therefore treatment cannot occur 24/7.
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Tumor Classification - "A"
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Anatomic Site
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Tumor Classification - "B"
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Biological Behavior
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Tumor Classification - "C"
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Cell of Origin
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What is a synergistic effect?
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When both Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy are used together, this is dubbed a synergistic effect.
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Does chemotherapy cross the blood-brain barrier?
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No, usually it does not.
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How is chemotherapy administered?
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Orally, through injection, perfusion or topically.
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Define immunotherapy.
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Goal is to amp the body's own disease-fighting system to destroy the cancer.
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How long post treatment before cancer is considered "cured"?
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Five Years
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What is fractionation?
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The daily dose given.
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What is protraction?
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The time over which the total dose is to be delivered.
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What is the cumulative dose?
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The total dose to the target volume.
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What is the "target"?
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Whatever you are aiming for when treating a patient.
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What is "de-bulking"?
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Removing a large portion of the tumor to lessen the symptoms that a patient experiences.
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What has the highest percentage for death rate?
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Heart disease.
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What is an indicator for colon cancer?
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Fecal Occult Blood
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Define prophylactively.
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Before there is a need too.
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TNM
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T: Size or extent of primary (initial) tumor on a scale from T (1-4)
N: Status of lymph nodes and extent of involvement, scaled N (0-4) M: Presence or extent of metastasis scale is M (0-4) |
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EBRT
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External Beam Radiation Therapy
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Systemic radiation or TBI is used to prepare for what?
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Bone Marrow Transplant
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TBI
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Total Body Irradiation
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What are the beams of radiation?
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6mV or 15 mV
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The higher the energy...
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...the deeper the radiation will travel.
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The strength of radiation lessens as it travels through the body due to...
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...a loss of energy.
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What is radiation?
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A transfer of energy.
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What is ionizing radiation?
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Any kind of radiation capable of removing an orbital electron from the atom with which it interacts.
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What is proton radiation?
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Particulate Radiation
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What is photon radiation?
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X-ray Oriented Radiation
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What is Klystron used for?
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High Energy
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Where is the flattening filter located?
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On the carousel.
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What does the flattening filter do?
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Manipulates the beam.
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What are all "things" classified as?
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Matter or energy OR both.
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What is matter?
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Anything that occupies space and has form or shape.
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What states are matter found in?
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Solid
Liquid Vapor/ Gas |
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Matter is composed of what?
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Building blocks called atoms.
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What atoms make up the human body?
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Carbon
Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen |
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What interacts with the 4 atoms that make up the human body?
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X-ray Photons (ionizing radiation) interact with these atoms.
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What is mass?
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The constant quantity of matter within a physical object.
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What is the unit of mass unrelated to gravity?
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Kilogram or kg
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What does weight describe?
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Mass of an object in a gravitational field.
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Define energy.
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The ability to do work.
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Electromagnetic energy is comprised of what?
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X-rays, radiowaves, microwaves + visible light and UV rays.
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What can matter/mass be transformed into?
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It can be transformed from one size, shape and form to another.
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Energy is needed in order to do what?
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Transform the mass of matter into different forms.
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Energy can be transformed from...
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...one type to another.
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Electrical energy is used to produce...
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...electromagnetic energy or x-rays.
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Nuclear energy (radioactivity) releases gamma rays...
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...utilized in the Co machine.
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Are matter and energy interchangeable?
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Yes. E = MC2.
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What is radiation?
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Energy emitted AND transferred through space.
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Radiation is the transfer of what?
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ENERGY.
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Exposed or irradiated matter is what?
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Matter that intercepts radiation and absorbs part or all of it.
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Define ionizing radiation.
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Any kind of radiation capable of removing an orbital electron from the atom with which it interacts.
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When does ionization occur?
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When an x-ray passes close enough to an orbital electron of an atom to transfer sufficient energy to the electron.
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What are the two electromagnetic energies that have sufficient energy to ionize?
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X-ray + Gamma
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X-rays...
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Travel in straight lines and diverge from their point of origin
Have many energies Are highly penetrating Are invisible Travel at the speed of light Produce scattered radiation Affect radiographic radiation Cause fluorescence of some materials Cause biological damage |
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X-ray and Gamma ray radiation are used in what ways?
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Use of high level radiation to destroy cells
Utilized in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers It is also used to treat some benign conditions |
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What are two methods to utilize ionizing radiation?
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Brachytherapy + External Beam
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What is brachytherapy?
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Delivery of radiation by placing radioactive sources in the patient. This could be temporary or permanent.
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What is external beam radiation therapy?
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Use of gamma rays or x-rays that originate from an external source directed towards the patient.
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What machine emits x-rays?
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Linear Accelerator
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What machine emits Gamma rays?
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Cobalt Units
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Low Energy Radiation Therapy
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Grenz Rays
Contact Therapy Superficial Equipment Orthovolotage Equipment |
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High Energy Radiation Equipment
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Van de Graaff Generator
Betatron Cyclotron Linear Accelerator Cobalt Unit |
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What are orthovoltage and superficial machines used to treat?
|
They are used to treat skin cancers.
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What does 59Co become when bombarded with slow neutrons?
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60Co.
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The radioactive 60Co emits?
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Ionizing radiation in the form of high-energy gamma rays.
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What does Linear Accelerator mean?
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Changed particles travel in straight lines ------- as they gain energy from an alternating e-m field.
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What are Linear Accelerators used to generate?
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High energy photon or electron beams to treat patients.
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What are the parts of a linear accelerator?
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Modulator Cabinet
Drive Stand Gantry Treatment Couch |
