Chemotherapy vs Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy vs Radiotherapy

cancer chemotherapy treatments and other cancer treatments

The goal of cancer treatment is to eradicate the disruptive cancer cells from the body, thereby preserving organ function and extending the patient's life. Traditional cancer treatments primarily employ three methods: surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Depending on the circumstances, doctors typically remove larger lesions with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. 

 

What is Chemotherapy Treatment? 

  • Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to inhibit and destroy cancer cells 

  • Mainly targets rapidly dividing cells and kills them by interfering with their ability to replicate themselves 

  • Usually used to alleviate symptoms or as adjunct treatment (adjuvant chemotherapy)

  • Administered orally, intravenously, or through other injection methods such as intramuscular, subcutaneous, direct lesion, or arterial injections 

  • Topical application to the skin is another approach 

  • Routine blood tests are required to track the body’s reaction to chemotherapy medications 

  • Chemotherapy drug may be temporarily stopped if blood cells levels are not satisfactory, resuming once levels return to normal 

 

 

Side Effects of Chemotherapy 

  • Fatigue 

  • Nausea and vomiting 

  • Reduced blood cells count 

  • Oral ulcers 

  • Hair loss 

  • Constipation and diarrhoea 

  • Itchy and flaky skin 

  • Hearing changes 

  • Nerve and muscle numbness  

Medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort associated with chemotherapy. 

 

What is Radiotherapy Treatment? 

  • Also known as radiation therapy 

  • Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation (X-rays) to kill cancer cells or stop their growth 

  • Pre-surgery treatment: 

  • Used to shrink larger tumours to improve the certainty of complete tumour resection 

  • Post-surgery treatment: 

  • Used to kill remaining cancer cells around the tumour after resection surgery to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence 

  • Non-surgical cases:  

  • Recommended when surgical removal of the tumour is not feasible, often in conjunction with chemotherapy or as a standalone treatment 

  • Provides symptom alleviation and pain relief, particularly in terminally ill patients 

  • Also used in benign tumours and haematological diseases 

 

 

Types of radiotherapy  

  • External Radiation:   

  • It involves directing high-energy beams from a radiation machine to target cancer cells in a specific area of the body  

  • Examples of external radiation treatments encompass 3D conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) 

  • Internal Radiation:  

  • Also known as brachytherapy 

  • Involves placing a radioactive source or implant inside the body as close to the tumour as feasible 

  • The implant functions to deliver radiation directly to the cancerous cells 

  • Common cancers treated with internal radiation include breast, lung, cervical, head, neck, and prostate cancers 

  • Systemic Radiation: 

  • Involves the administration of radioactive drugs orally or intravenously 

  • These drugs subsequently circulate throughout the body.

     

Side Effects of Radiotherapy 

  • Fatigue 

  • Vomiting 

  • Decreased appetite 

  • Hair loss (only in the irradiated area) 

  • The skin becomes red, itchy, and dry, or moisture builds up in the irradiated area 

  • Skin fibrosis and darkened pigmentation at the radiation site 

  • Fibrosis of subcutaneous tissue, wounds, and muscles,  

  • Rectal mucositis causing bleeding and diarrhoea 

  • Bladder inflammation may lead to frequent urination or bleeding 

  • Impaired ovarian function and early menopause 

  • Vagina becomes dry and narrow 

  • Male sexual dysfunction and decreased sperm count 

The severity of the side effects and complications depends on the scope and dose of radiotherapy, as well as the patient's physical condition. Patients can apply ointments on the skin or take other medications prescribed by the doctor to reduce the impact of side effects.

 

The Advancement of Elekta Versa HD LINAC  

In terms of external radiation, Prince Court Medical Centre is equipped with the cutting-edge Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator to provide advanced radiation therapy for various types of cancers, such as: 

  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) 

  • Delivers precise radiation doses with adjustable beam intensities 

  • Improves tumour dose coverage and uniformity 

  • Minimises radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues 

  • Reduces treatment time and patient discomfort 

  • Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) 

  • Utilises continuous dynamic arc multi-angle rotation for treatment 

  • Enhances tumour targeting and dose distribution 

  • Reduces overall treatment time 

  • Lowers side effects by sparing healthy tissues 

  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) 

  • Employs low-energy X-rays for imaging before each session 

  • Ensures accurate targeting by accounting for patient positioning and internal organ movement 

  • Allows real-time remote control adjustments during treatment 

  • Minimises errors and enhances precision 

  • Whole-body stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT) 

  • Provides high doses of radiation to tumours in fewer sessions 

  • Targets tumours in various body parts, including lungs and liver 

  • Uses precise imaging and immobilisation techniques 

  • Reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissues 

  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumours 

  • Offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery 

  • Delivers high doses of focused radiation in one or a few sessions 

  • Utilises detailed imaging for precise targeting 

  • Minimises exposure to healthy brain tissues and reduces the risk of side effects 

  • Advanced Respiratory Control

  • Features an active breathing control system (Response™ gating Active Breathing Coordinator) to minimise the impact of breathing on tumour position, allowing radiation to be irradiated more accurately at the tumour site 

  • Essential for accurately targeting lung and liver tumours 

 

Cancer Treatment Care Starts Here

most chemotherapy drugs treat cancer by killing cancer cells

Leading cancer treatment centre in Malaysia, Prince Court Medical Centre provides comprehensive cancer treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific cancer type, stage, physical condition, and personal preferences. Our goal is to provide effective and personalised treatment strategies to guide patients as they navigate their journey towards cancer survivorship with confidence.