Radiation Therapy for treating Blood Cancer is
an option used by the Hemato-Oncologists under certain circumstances. While
Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy are mostly the preferred treatment modalities,
Radiation has its own irreplaceable significance. Its purpose is to kill the
cancerous cells, eventually to slow down the pace of their growth and
replication. It can also be used for pain management. Radiation Therapy can
also be used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. External beam
radiation is one of the commonly used methods. The dosage and duration of
treatment will be patient specific, as determined by the radiation therapist in
consultation with the treating Hematologist.
Radiation Therapy is an approved mode of cancer
treatment. When it comes to cancer care and management, it has a vital role in
treating solid tumors. Several types of Leukemia and Lymphomas are also treated
with specific treatment goals. Blood cancer cells that have moved into the
brain or spinal fluid may be effectively targeted through radiation. Similarly,
bone pain caused by the cancer can be reduced with the help of this therapy.
The mechanism is targeted to damage the DNA or genetic material of the cancer
cells. The ultimate objective is to stop the multiplication or growth of cancer
cells with minimal damage to the healthy normal cells. Even though the external
beam radiotherapy is very common, internal radiation therapy is relevant and
recommended in certain cases.
Radiotherapy is known to be a key specialty service
offered by many multispecialty hospitals. However, in case of blood cancer
treatment with radiation therapy, it has to be determined by the department of
Oncology & Hematology. Radiation team shall work in association with the
primary physicians. Therefore it is important for patients to look for a
hospital or clinic that has everything under one roof. There are always cost
dynamics at play. It is good to compare the cost of treatment from various
treatment facilities, but cost alone can’t determine everything. Many times
patients end up spending much more than they are prepared for. This is mostly because
they wouldn’t take all the important factors into consideration before
finalizing their preferred hospital.
Your Hematologist would recommend if Radiation Therapy
is necessary. You will be referred to the Radiation department for the
completion of treatment plan. Patients will be consulting with two experts simultaneously
and the Hematologist will ultimately study the outcome and make further
recommendations. There may be other Chemotherapy medications prescribed in
concurrence with the Radiation Therapy. It is ultimately the Hematologist’s
opinion that would be vital in the whole process. Considering this reality, it
is better for you to begin your consultation with a reputed and reliable
Hematologist who can advise you with a long term treatment plan and subsequent
recommendations.
Kenosis Health can assist patients with the feedback
based on certain well known parameters regarding their choice of Hospital and
Physician when it comes to Radiation Therapy for Blood Cancer Treatment. Reach
us for more insights.