Radiation Therapy Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the three types of radiation therapy?

External radiation, Internal radiation therapy, and Sealed source (brachytherapy)

What are the primary goals of chemotherapy?

  • Cure (correct)
  • Control (correct)
  • Palliation of manifestation (correct)
  • All of the above

External radiation therapy requires isolation.

False (B)

Internal radiation therapy is where the radioisotope is placed within or near the tumor.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of radiation therapy involves the radioisotope being administered orally, intravenously, or directly into the body cavity?

<p>Unsealed radiation therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three principles of radiation protection?

<p>Distance, Time, and Shielding</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of chemotherapy that can occur in the GI system?

<p>Nausea and vomiting</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemotherapy is often a recommended treatment when the disease is widespread.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of lung cancer?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of lung cancer?

<p>Small cell lung cancer and Non-small cell lung cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of lung cancer?

<p>Cigarette smoking</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer?

<p>Cough, weight loss, chest pain, dyspnea, or hemoptysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The most effective treatment for lung cancer that is localized is surgery

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Radiation therapy can be used to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the potential side effects of radiation therapy?

<p>Esophagitis, pneumonitis, radiation lung fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pericarditis, myelitis, and cor pulmonale</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the side effects of chemotherapy?

<p>Pneumonitis, pulmonary toxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Whipple procedure is the most common surgical procedure for small bowel cancer.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the Whipple procedure is completed, what is reconstructed in the digestive tract?

<p>The digestive tract.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer in the United States.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Whipple procedure is used exclusively to treat pancreatic cancer.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the potential complications that could occur post-Whipple procedure?

<p>Pulmonary complications, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pancreatic cancer can be caused by genetic factors, but there is no clear cause and effect for the disease.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in the United States?

<p>Pancreatic cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don't appear until the cancer has spread.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Whipple procedure is a palliative treatment for pancreatic cancer

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer?

<p>Papillary carcinoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of thyroid cancer is the most common in older individuals?

<p>Follicular carcinoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

Papillary carcinoma is more aggressive than follicular carcinoma.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of thyroid cancer?

<p>A neck lump</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thyroid cancer can often cause hoarseness and difficulty speaking.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The treatment for thyroid cancer is a combination of surgery, radioactive iodine treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a component of a comprehensive treatment program for thyroid cancer?

<p>Antibiotic therapy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used to replace the hormones that the thyroid was not able to produce after a portion of the thyroid was removed.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Whipple procedure is often used to treat pancreatic cancer.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is impossible to prevent premature menopause or amenorrhea as a side effect of chemotherapy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One of the many side effects of chemotherapy is the risk of developing infections.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is important to use a combination of treatment methods rather than a single treatment method for lung cancer.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemotherapy is the only treatment for lung cancer.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Radiation therapy can be used to treat a wide range of cancer types.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemotherapy is often used to treat lung cancer that has metastasized, or spread to other parts of the body.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Radiation Therapy

Treatment modality using high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells' DNA and prevent reproduction.

Primary Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy used as the sole treatment to cure cancer, like early-stage skin cancer.

Adjuvant Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy given before or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Palliative Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy to relieve symptoms from cancer, like pain or pressure.

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Radiosensitivity

How sensitive a tissue is to radiation.

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External Radiation Therapy

High-energy radiation delivered from a machine outside the body.

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Internal Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy where radioactive materials are placed inside the body.

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Sealed Source Brachytherapy

Internal radiation where the source is sealed in the body; urine and other fluids aren't contaminated.

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Unsealed Source Brachytherapy

Internal radiation where isotopes are in contact with body fluids; fluids are radioactive.

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Distance (Radiation Protection)

Minimizing exposure by increasing the distance between the radiation source and the person.

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Time Limit (Radiation Protection)

Reducing exposure time to radiation.

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Shielding (Radiation Protection)

Using lead or other materials to block radiation.

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Chemotherapy

Systemic treatment for cancer, intended to destroy cancer cells.

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Intravenous Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy administered through a vein.

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Regional Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy targeted to a specific area of the body.

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Topical Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy applied directly to the surface of skin.

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Intra-arterial Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy delivered directly into arteries.

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Intracavity Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy given into body cavities, like the abdomen.

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Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy instilled into the abdominal cavity.

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Intrathecal Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy instilled directly into the central nervous system.

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Immunotherapy

Cancer treatment that boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells.

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Study Notes

Radiation Therapy

  • Radiation therapy can be used as a primary, adjuvant, or palliative treatment for cancer.
  • Primary modality: used to achieve a local cure (e.g., early skin cancer, Hodgkin's disease, cervical carcinoma).
  • Adjuvant therapy: aids in destroying cancer cells pre- or post-operatively, often combined with chemotherapy.
  • Palliative therapy: relieves pain caused by obstruction, fractures, spinal cord compression, or metastases.
  • Radiosensitivity: tissues' sensitivity to radiation depends on individual cells and tissue characteristics.
  • Radiation therapy's mechanism: high-energy ionizing radiation damages a cell's DNA, preventing reproduction and cell destruction.
  • Types of Radiation Therapy:
    • External radiation (teletherapy): uses high-energy or gamma X-ray machines (no isolation needed).
    • Internal radiation therapy: administered near the tumor or into the systemic circulation.
    • Sealed source brachytherapy: radioisotopes are placed within or near the tumor, avoiding contamination of urine and other bodily fluids.
    • Unsealed source brachytherapy: radioisotopes are administered orally, intravenously, or instilled into body cavities; bodily fluids become contaminated.

Skincare During External RT

  • Keep skin dry; do not wash the treatment area until permitted.
  • When permitted, gently wash with mild soap and water, pat dry; do not rub.
  • Do not use hot water, powders, creams, lotions, deodorants, or alcohol on the treatment area.
  • Avoid using ointments or tapes on the treated area.
  • Use an electric razor; avoid pre- and after-shave lotions.
  • Protect skin from direct sunlight, chlorine, and extreme temperatures.

Chemotherapy

  • Goals: cure, control, or palliation of manifestations.
  • Used when the disease is widespread or if surgery is not possible, or if it is resistant to radiation.
  • Common types of chemotherapy:
    • Antimetabolites (e.g., 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate)
    • Vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine)
    • Taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel)
    • Alkylating agents (e.g., carboplatin, cisplatin)
    • Antitumor antibiotics (e.g., bleomycin, doxorubicin)
    • Others (e.g., hydroxyurea)

Intravenous Chemotherapy

  • Administration via IV can cause tissue necrosis; Vascular Access Devices (VADs) are preferred.
  • VADs provide continuous chemotherapy and multiple access for blood work; complications include infection and obstruction.

Radiation and Chemotherapy Safety

  • Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital.
  • Immediate washing with soap and water is essential for skin contact.
  • Follow proper disposal procedures for contaminated equipment (leak-proof, puncture-proof containers).

Complications of Chemotherapy

  • Problems with the gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation).
  • Problems with the genitourinary system (hemorrhagic cystitis).
  • Integumentary system problems.
  • Impaired renal and hepatic function.

Important Information on Lung Cancer

  • Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths and largely due to carcinogenic effects of cigarette smoke.
  • Lung cancer can arise in the bronchial walls, predominantly in the epithelium of the bronchial tree.
  • Common causes of Lung Cancer: smoking, genetics, exposure to occupational or environmental carcinogens.
  • Symptoms of Lung Cancer:
    • Cough
    • Weight loss
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Hemoptysis - coughing up blood.

Important Information on Thyroid Cancer

  • Thyroid cancer accounts for approximately 5-15% of thyroid malignancies.
  • Causes and risk factors include prior exposure to radiation and genetic factors.
  • Symptoms can include a neck lump, neck swelling, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, throat pain, or neck pain.
  • Diagnosis involves a physical assessment, blood tests (TSH), and imaging scans (e.g., ultrasound, CT, MRI).

Important Information on Pancreatic Cancer

  • Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late as it frequently presents with vague symptoms.
  • A crucial sign and symptom is Jaundice.
  • Risks associated with pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a high-fat diet.
  • Diagnostic procedures include ultrasound, CT scans, endoscopic ultrasound, and blood tests (CEA and CA19-9).

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Radiation Therapy PDF

Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of radiation therapy, including its uses as primary, adjuvant, and palliative treatments for cancer. It covers essential topics such as radiosensitivity and different types of radiation therapy, along with their mechanisms and effects on cancer cells. Test your understanding of how this therapeutic approach plays a crucial role in cancer management.

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