The purpose of radiotherapy is CURE WITHOUT INJURY, in other words, to destroy tumour cells while sparing the structure and function of normal cells.

Radiotherapy consists of eliminating tumour cells by depositing energy called ionizing radiation in them. Ionizing radiation triggers changes in the cells’ physical and chemical properties of the molecules, which causes them to stop functioning. While normal cells can repair this damage, which had no biological effect on them, tumour cells are much slower to repair themselves and they are damaged more seriously, because the damage builds up until they are destroyed. This explains the selective effect of radiation, in other words, to destroy tumour cells while conserving the structure and function of normal cells.

Nowadays, radiotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for cancer. As well as curing a tumour, radiotherapy makes it possible to conserve organs, avoid amputation and improve quality of life.

There are two main types of RADIOTHERAPY. These are EXTERNAL RADIOTHERAPY AND BRACHYTHERAPY OR INTERNAL RADIOTHERAPY. The difference between them is the place from which the radiation is emitted. With external radiotherapy, the source of the radiation is outside the patient, while with brachytherapy the source of the radiation is inside the body.

External radiotherapy is a high-precision treatment in which the source of the radiation is outside the body. To achieve this it must be adapted to the anatomical characteristics of each person and the shape and location of the disease.

After the first visit, during which the doctor takes a complete medical history of the patient and reviews the diagnostic tests and results of previous treatments, the patient is given an appointment for treatment simulation

Treatment simulation consists of locating the zone to treat and preparing immobilisation devices to guarantee accurate radiotherapy treatment. First of all, a series of X-rays are taken using a special device called a simulator and small marks are made on the skin that are used as reference points for coordinates that are used for all the steps taken from now on. In cases where the head and neck need to be treated, the head is held in place with a thermoplastic mask, to ensure it does not move involuntarily during the treatment.

A simulation CAT scan is then done, with very specific technical characteristics on a flat carbon fibre board to determine the situation, shape and size of each internal organ. The CAT images are transmitted to the planning computers, which then calculate the dose distributions and different treatment settings. The treatment plan is then approved and the data is transmitted to the computer network for registration and verification.

On the day the radiotherapy treatment starts, X-rays are done to verify everything using the same equipment that will be used for the treatment. This is done using a lineal accelerator. These X-rays are done to check that all the treatment settings are correct and that the positioning on the treatment table is correct. Once everything has been checked and approved, the first radiotherapy session takes place.

External radiotherapy treatment is very well tolerated. Patients notice nothing at all. There no heat, cold, pain. Nothing. It is like having an X-ray. Patients do not notice when the X-ray is taken, but they know it has been taken because the X-ray is there. The same goes for radiotherapy: There is no discomfort at all. Patients generally notice some buzzing and hear some clicks, which show the treatment is taking place. These are the sounds made by the cooling fans and pumps and the laminates in the multileaf collimator.

Treatment sessions are very short. They usually last just one or two minutes. Patients enter, remove clothing and lie down in the correct position. A check is made that everything is correct, the treatment is administered and the patient dresses again. This usually takes no longer than 10 minutes. This is an outpatient treatment, and no hospital admission is necessary except in very specific cases. Patients are never made radioactive, contaminated or activated. After each treatment session, patients can continue leading a normal life. They should follow skin care advice, dietary recommendations and sun protection instructions given to them by the medical team and nurses. Patients can be in contact with small children and pregnant women, if necessary. There is no need to take any special anti-radiation measures.