Radiotherapy Cancer Treatment

Many patients who are diagnosed with cancer will require treatment with radiation therapy. This treatment is provided by a team of health professionals and led by a Consultant Radiation Oncologist. The healthcare professionals who deliver the radiation treatment to the patient are called Radiation Therapists.

Radiotherapy (also called radiation therapy) is one of the most powerful tools we use to treat cancer. For nearly half of all cancer patients, radiotherapy plays an important role in their treatment plan. It’s a reliable and effective way to kill cancer cells, slow tumour growth, provide pain relief, and reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

You have expert cancer care close to home at UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre at UPMC Whitfield Hospital and at Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre. Both locations offer advanced radiation treatment for cancer supported by the latest technological innovations. Each is accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International)

Contact Us About Radiotherapy Treatment at UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre in Ireland

Contact UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre for more information about radiotherapy services in Cork and Waterford.

What is Radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is the use of ionising radiation to treat cancer. Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells in the affected area by damaging their DNA. The radiation used for cancer treatment may come from a machine outside the body. A patient may receive radiation therapy alone as a treatment or in combination with surgery or drug treatments. This will depend on the type of cancer being treated.

Radiotherapy can damage normal cells as well as cancer cells. Therefore, treatment must be carefully planned to minimise side effects. Radiotherapy can be an effective treatment for many types of cancer, and can offer benefits such as pain relief, improved quality of life, and a reduced risk of cancer recurrence. However, like all cancer treatments, radiotherapy can have side effects. Your medical team will work with you to manage any side effects you may experience during and after treatment and will provide you with guidance on how to reduce them.

Radiotherapy is used for several different medical purposes including:

• to cure an illness, for example by destroying a tumour (abnormal tissue),
• to control symptoms, such as relieving pain,
• before surgery, to shrink a tumour so that it is easier to remove, and
• after surgery, to destroy small amounts of tumour that may be left.

We offer specialised services for certain benign conditions where appropriate.

We offer radiation treatment for some specific benign tumours and conditions, and for all types of cancers, including:

• Breast.
• Prostate.
• Lung.
• Oesophagus.
• Skin and melanoma.
• Colorectal.
• Head and neck.
• Lymphoma.
• Blood cancers.

Your radiotherapy oncology consultant and medical physics team determines the radiotherapy that’s best for your type of cancer and its location in your body. 

How Does Radiotherapy Work?

Radiotherapy uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It works by damaging the DNA in the cancer cells. This can stop cancer cells from growing or spreading.

Sophisticated imaging technologies pinpoint the exact location of the tumour. Advanced technology is used to focus a radiation beam directly on the tumour allowing for the highest dose of radiation to be given to the tumour and keeping the radiation dose to the nearby normal cells as low as possible.

Radiation oncology consultants at UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre:

• Have expert training in radiation treatment delivery and patient care.
• Treat any concerns or problems that may arise during your treatment.
• Are here for you before, during, and after radiation treatment for cancer.

Benefits of Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is reliable and effective. It is often used to help other treatments, like chemotherapy, work better and can ease cancer symptoms.

The benefits of radiotherapy for cancer include:

• Control of symptoms.
• Pain relief.
• Fewer side effects than other cancer treatments.
• Fewer and shorter treatment sessions.
• Reduced risk of complications.
• No anaesthesia needed.
• Improves your quality of life.
• Delivered as an outpatient

Access World-Class Radiotherapy Treatment Close to Home

UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre is a leader in the use of radiation treatment for cancer. At UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre at UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford and Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, you’ll receive world-class radiotherapy cancer care.

We are long-term partners of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and private insurers.

Whether you need radiotherapy once a week or multiple times a week, having treatment close to home can make a difference.

Advanced Radiotherapy

External beam radiation is the most common type of radiotherapy. It carefully delivers high doses of radiation directly to a tumour. Stereotactic radiation therapy is a type of external beam radiation that uses special advanced equipment to precisely deliver beams to a tumour with pinpoint accuracy.

Consultants consider your age, health, and cancer type when determining the appropriate treatment option for you.

We offer advanced radiotherapy as standard and in line with international evidence-based gold standards. These advanced techniques have been shown to improve cancer control outcomes and at the same time reduce side effects from treatment.

Radiotherapy Treatment Options

Targeted radiation is used for both stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Both types use:

• Computerised 3D image guidance to identify a tumour's exact location.
• Tools (linear acceleration) that bend energy beams into the precise shape of the tumour.
• Systems that attack tumours with high-energy beams from different angles all at once.

Our Hillman Cancer Centre teams use the state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam® and Edge™ linear accelerator systems to design your precise and highly personalised radiotherapy treatment plan. The system delivers measured doses of radiation to a specific part of your body. This may result in shorter treatment times, reduced side effects, and improved outcomes.

Radiosurgery (SRS)

SRS uses radiation instead of surgical tools to remove or destroy cancer. It’s a non-invasive treatment that does not require anaesthesia. It provides the same results as traditional surgery without incisions or pain. It is a single session radiation therapy treatment that creates a similar result as a surgical procedure.

Conditions we treat with radiosurgery

SRS is used to treat cancers of the brain, head, neck, and spine. We also use radiosurgery for benign tumours (non-cancerous). These conditions include:

• Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma): Benign tumours that grow on the nerve carrying impulses between the ear and the brain.
• Chordomas: Tumours that form where the base of the skull and spine meet.
• Glioblastomas: Tumours that grow quickly in tissues of the brain.
• Meningiomas: Tumours that grow in the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Pituitary adenomas: Tumours of the pituitary gland.
• Spinal tumours: Masses in the spine that form when cells grow abnormally.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

SBRT uses high-energy x-rays to precisely send radiation to the tumour. Treatment lasts a few minutes. Most people go for treatment five days a week over a few weeks.

Conditions we treat with sterotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

SBRT is used to treat cancers in internal organs where surgery isn’t an option. We also use it to treat cancer that has spread (metastasised) to other glands or organs. SBRT may be used for:

• Early-stage lung cancer.
• Liver cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer.
• Prostate cancer.

Preparing for Radiotherapy

Your radiation oncology consultant tailors your treatment to your diagnosis and focuses on your health, safety, and comfort.

These are the general steps of radiotherapy treatment:

Initial consultation

You’ll meet with a radiation oncology consultant to discuss your medical history and whether radiation therapy is the best option for your situation. Be sure to ask any questions. Consider bringing a family member or friend to the appointment to take notes. At this appointment, your consultant will explain things like:

• The goals of the plan.
• How radiotherapy may help.
• How successful it is expected to be.
• How much radiation you’ll receive.
• The total number of treatment days.

Please bring a list of your current medications with you (to your first visit). Please note that children should not attend the centre.

Informed consent

• Your consultant will discuss
• The goals of radiotherapy.
• How radiotherapy may help.
• How successful it is expected to be.
• How much radiation you’ll receive.
• The total number of treatment days.

You will have time to ask questions about your treatment options before signing consent. You may withdraw consent at any time prior to treatment delivery.

Simulation

A planning CT scan (and, when appropriate, additional imaging e.g MRI scan) is performed with comfort devices to replicate your treatment position. Treatment simulation is used to help us plan for accurate and precise treatment delivery. You won’t receive any radiation treatment at this time. You lie in the simulation machine in the same position as you would in the treatment machine. From your position and how comfortable you feel, we can identify any supports or immobilisation devices needed to help you stay still during treatment.  There may be specific instructions for you to follow for your treatment - your team will take you through this as needed.

Treatment planning

Information from the simulation helps create a detailed personalised treatment plan for your care. You’ll also learn how to prepare for your radiation sessions.

Treatment delivery

You’ll typically have daily sessions over several weeks. Each session can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Follow-up care and monitoring

Your medical team and specialist nurse will see you regularly to follow your progress, check on any side effects you are experiencing, and address any concerns you may have. As treatment progresses, changes may be made depending on how you are responding to treatment. Our aim is to ensure that you are always getting the optimum treatment, specifically tailored to you.

We monitor your progress and manage any radiotherapy side effects after treatment. You’ll have regular follow-up appointments to check for recurrence and to monitor your overall health. After treatment is completed, follow-up appointments will be scheduled so that your radiation oncologist can make sure your recovery is progressing as expected and to continue to monitor your health status. Your doctor will explain the next steps to you and will schedule any necessary appointments. As time goes by, if you do not need further treatment, the number of times you need to visit your radiation oncologist will decrease.

Side Effects of Radiotherapy

Cancer treatment with radiotherapy, like all cancer treatments, can have side effects. Many people continue their routine with no problems. Others may feel unwell need to take time out to rest, or have other symptoms.

The side effects you may experience depend on the part of your body you are having treated. The treatment affects everyone differently and your medical team will discuss with you what is relevant for you, before you receive any treatment.

Common radiation therapy side effects may include:

• Tiredeness (fatigue).
• Diarrhoea when treating the stomach or pelvis region.
• Problems with eating and drinking if you are receiving treatment to your head, neck or oesophagus.
• Feeling or being sick if the treatment area is near the stomach or the brain.
• Skin redness.
• Hair loss in the treatment area only.
• Side effects and your sexual well-being and fertility issues.
• Late and long-term side effects of radiotherapy.
• Emotional issues.
• Poor appetite.
• Skin changes.
• Weight loss.

The doctors, nurses and radiation therapists will support you through your treatment. They will advise you on how best to manage any symptoms you develop. We understand that this is a very stressful time in your life and there is support available to help you and your family: please talk to your treatment team if you need assistance.

Chemotherapy can heighten these side effects.

We work with you to manage any post-radiotherapy side effects. Supportive services like nutrition counseling can help.

UPMC Radiotherapy Consultants in Ireland

Our radiation oncology consultants are specially trained in radiation treatment delivery and compassionate patient care. We are here to support you before, during, and after radiation treatment for cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiotherapy Cancer Treatment

Learn more about radiation treatment for cancer and what you can expect during treatment.

Does radiation hurt?

Radiation itself is painless. Much like getting an x-ray, you won't see or feel it during treatment. You may be a little uncomfortable while lying on the table if you’re in an awkward position.

If you feel any pain or discomfort, please tell your radiation therapist. If you experience any side effects, they usually develop over time.

What are the side effects of radiotherapy for cancer?

Radiotherapy can cause temporary damage to normal cells which can result in side effects. The side effects you may experience will depend on the part of the body being treated. Your consultant, nurse, and radiation therapist will discuss with you in more detail the side effects to expect from your treatment

Possible radiation side effects may include:

• Red, itching, and peeling skin.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Hair loss.

We will guide you through what to expect and how to manage any side effects you may experience.

Who will give me my radiotherapy treatment?

Your radiation therapist will deliver your treatment plan, based on:

• How much radiation you will receive.
• How many days you will have treatment.

A radiation therapist will treat you and help you before, during, and after radiation treatments.

What is a simulation?

If radiation is part of your cancer treatment plan, you’ll first have a planning session or CT-simulation. This visit takes 1 to 3 hours.

During simulation, the radiation therapist will:

• Place you on the treatment table.
• Take x-rays, CT scans, and other pictures to confirm the treatment area.

How often will I get radiation treatments?

The radiotherapy department is open Monday to Friday for routine treatments. This gives patients time to rest on weekends. Some patients will need treatment everyday (Monday to Friday), while others will be treated every other day, or may even have just 1 treatment. This depends on your diagnosis

Your radiation therapist will let you know of any holidays on which you won’t have treatments.

Why do radiation treatments happen for so many weeks?

It takes large doses of radiation to treat cancer. By spreading treatments over time, we can safely deliver the radiation needed and reduce the possibility of side effects.

On average, the course of treatment for radiotherapy takes 5 to 7 weeks. This helps your body better tolerate the effects of treatment.

Why do I have to be alone during treatment?

If radiation therapists stayed in the treatment room with every patient they care for, it would expose them to dangerous levels of radiation.

Even though we’re not in the room with you, please know we constantly check on you by intercom and video camera.

If you ever need help during your treatment, please tell us. We can stop treatment and attend to your needs.