External Beam Radiotherapy: The most common form of radiotherapy, where radiation is directed at the tumor from outside the body using a machine called a linear accelerator.

Brachytherapy: A form of internal radiotherapy, where a radioactive source is placed directly inside or very close to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Systemic Radiotherapy: Involves radioactive substances that are taken orally or injected into the body to target cancer cells throughout the body, often used for certain types of thyroid cancer or other specific cancers.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A form of external beam radiotherapy that delivers precise radiation doses to the tumor, modulating the intensity of the beams. It reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it ideal for cancers in sensitive areas, such as the head, neck, and prostate.

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): A technique that uses imaging tools like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs during each treatment session to ensure the tumor is in the correct position. IGRT is particularly useful in treating tumors that move, such as those in the lungs or prostate.

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): An advanced form of IMRT where radiation is delivered in a continuous arc as the machine rotates around the patient. VMAT improves treatment accuracy and reduces the time spent on each session, commonly used for complex tumors like those in the brain or head and neck.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): A precise form of radiotherapy that delivers high doses of radiation to a tumor in a few sessions, typically used for tumors in the lungs, liver, spine, or prostate. SBRT is known for its high precision and ability to target tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A non-invasive treatment that delivers a focused dose of radiation to brain tumors or lesions with high precision. Despite its name, SRS is a form of radiotherapy and does not involve surgery. It’s often used for brain tumors, metastases, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Proton Beam Therapy (PBT): Uses protons instead of X-rays to treat cancer, offering greater precision with less radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It is especially useful for treating tumors near critical structures, such as the brain, spine, or eye, and is often used in pediatric cancer treatment.

Neutron Therapy: A form of radiotherapy that uses neutron particles rather than conventional X-rays or protons. Neutron therapy can be more effective against certain cancers, like sarcomas and melanomas, that may be resistant to traditional radiation treatments.

Electron Therapy: Uses electron beams to treat tumors near the surface of the body, such as skin cancers. Electrons are less penetrating than other types of radiation, making this therapy ideal for treating superficial tumors while minimizing damage to deeper tissues.

Tomotherapy: Combines computed tomography (CT) with radiation therapy, delivering radiation in a spiral fashion while providing continuous imaging. This allows for precise targeting of the tumor, commonly used for cancers of the prostate, head, neck, and breast.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): An experimental form of therapy that involves delivering boron-10 to cancer cells and then exposing them to neutron beams. This interaction destroys cancer cells selectively, and it shows promise for treating certain brain and head and neck cancers.

Radiotherapy is primarily used for:

Cancer Treatment: It can be used alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to treat cancer.

Palliative Care: It can help relieve pain or other symptoms caused by cancer, such as bleeding or obstruction, particularly in cases where the cancer cannot be cured.

Pre-surgery: To shrink tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove.

Post-surgery: To kill any remaining cancer cells that may be left behind after surgical removal of the tumor.

While radiotherapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also lead to side effects, which may vary depending on the area being treated and the overall health of the patient. Common side effects include:

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy.

Skin reactions: The skin in the treated area may become red, irritated, or dry.

Hair loss: Hair loss may occur in the area being treated, particularly if the radiation targets the head or scalp.

Nausea and vomiting: These may occur, especially if radiation is aimed at the abdomen or pelvis.

Changes in appetite: Reduced appetite or difficulty swallowing may occur if the head, neck, or digestive tract is involved.

Diarrhea or bladder irritation: If the pelvis is treated, patients may experience these symptoms.

Long-term side effects: These may include tissue scarring, secondary cancers, or fertility issues, depending on the area of treatment.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of needing radiotherapy or affect how well it works:

Type of Cancer: Some cancers, such as breast, prostate, or lung cancer, are commonly treated with radiotherapy.

Cancer Stage: Radiotherapy may be used for early-stage cancers or advanced stages to manage symptoms.

Age and Health Status: Younger and healthier individuals may respond better to treatment, though radiotherapy can be used in patients of all ages.

Previous Cancer Treatments: Individuals who have had prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy may have different treatment responses or be more prone to side effects.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of needing radiotherapy or affect how well it works:

Type of Cancer: Some cancers, such as breast, prostate, or lung cancer, are commonly treated with radiotherapy.

Cancer Stage: Radiotherapy may be used for early-stage cancers or advanced stages to manage symptoms.

Age and Health Status: Younger and healthier individuals may respond better to treatment, though radiotherapy can be used in patients of all ages.

Previous Cancer Treatments: Individuals who have had prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy may have different treatment responses or be more prone to side effects.

Radiotherapy can be highly effective in treating various cancers, either alone or in combination with other treatments. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as:

Cancer type and stage: Early-stage cancers generally respond better to radiotherapy.

Size and location of the tumor: Smaller tumors or those located in easily accessible areas may be treated more effectively.

Combination with other treatments: Radiotherapy may work better when used alongside surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.