What to Expect: The Radiation Treatment Process
Radiation therapy usually begins with these procedures:
- Initial consultation
Once your physician considers the possibility of radiation therapy for your treatment, he/she will refer you to a radiation oncologist. The radiation oncologist has special training and skills in using radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. You will have an initial office visit when the radiation oncologist reviews your history, completes a physical examination, views your x-ray studies and scans, and decides on the type of radiation therapy to treat your disease. - Simulation process
Following your initial consultation, you will undergo a “simulation” process. The simulation allows the radiation oncologist to define the exact location and configuration of the cancer, tumor, or other growth within your body. In order to accomplish this, x-rays or scans will be taken in the radiation oncology department. Sometimes contrast is used to improve the quality of the information, for example you may be asked to swallow a contrast agent or you may be injected with one, similar to when you have a diagnostic CT scan performed. You will be placed in the treatment position, and often there will be customized “immobilization” devices such as mesh masks, headrests, or form-fit body molds to maintain your body position the same on a day to day basis. Sometimes, the area on your body that requires treatment will be marked with a tiny dot tattoo to make sure radiation is directed properly each day. - Treatment planning and dosimetry
Once the simulation process is completed, the radiation oncologist will determine your treatment plan, including the type of machine to use, the amount of radiation that is needed, and the number of treatments that will be given. Developing the treatment plan may be a complex process aided by the use of computers that recreate your “virtual anatomy” and location of your cancer or tumor. It may take several days to complete the treatment planning process. - Treatment Day
On you first day of treatment you will check-in with the reception desk on the ground floor of the Cancer Center and be directed to the patient waiting area and dressing room. A radiation technologist will bring you to the treatment machine and help position on the treatment table. You will be placed in the same position as you were during the treatment planning CT scan. Once you are properly positioned and aligned, the technologists will exit the room and control the machine from the console directly outside the treatment room. They will be able to see you at all times through multiple video cameras and can hear you through a microphone.
Before starting radiation, the technologists will take special x-ray images with you on the treatment table to confirm your positioning is correct. Once confirmed, the treatment will be delivered, which can take as short as 1-2 minutes but can range up to 15-30 minutes depending on the complexity of the treatment. Other types of treatment may sometimes take longer.
After your treatment, the technologists will bring you down from the table to a patient exam room where you will meet with the radiation oncology nurse to discuss issues related to radiation including skin care and nutrition during treatment.
Over the course of radiation therapy, you will meet with your doctor at least once a week as well as the other members of the treatment team including nurses and resident physicians. In addition, should you have concerns or symptoms that need to be addressed, you may meet with any of your treatment team members on any day at your request.
For treatment processes for specific modalities see:
See also: Risks and Potential Side Effects of Radiation Therapy.
Trial Administration