Radiation therapy for cancer pain relief

Sufferers with most cancers have one other device of their toolbox for managing ache. Palliative radiation remedy is an efficient possibility for relieving physique aches related to most cancers.

Dr. Adam Holtzman, a Mayo Clinic radiation oncologist, explains how innovation is enhancing radiation therapy.

Docs typically use radiation to focus on cancer cellshowever do you know radiation remedy may also present reduction from ache?

“Radiation remedy is often utilized in about 50% to 60% of all cancer patientsit is very, quite common,” says Dr. Holtzman.

He says high-powered power eradicates most cancers cells, shrinking the tumors and serving to to ease agonizing aches.

“Usually, 60% to 80% of patients normally have partial and even full reduction of their ache in two to 4 weeks,” says Dr. Holtzman.

Mayo Clinic is utilizing innovation to streamline the method. Even earlier than sufferers stroll by way of the door, they bear a digital planning scan that was created from a previous CT.

“What meaning is sufferers utilizing a diagnostic scan that was beforehand obtained, we map out the radiation plan, so we will ship it faster and extra effectively to maximise that affected person’s time and high quality of life,” explains Dr. Holtzman.

Why you would possibly want palliative radiation remedy:

• Enhance high quality of life.
• Shrink tumors to alleviate strain.
• Handle bleeding/ulcers.
• Relieve bone ache.

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