Sädehoitomuodot

Sädehoitomuodot, or forms of radiotherapy, refer to the different methods used to deliver radiation therapy for medical purposes, primarily in cancer treatment. The fundamental principle involves using ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.

External beam radiotherapy is the most common type, where a machine outside the body directs high-energy beams towards the tumor. Common techniques within external beam radiotherapy include three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). These techniques aim to precisely target the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Stereotactic radiotherapy, a more precise form of external beam therapy, delivers very high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors in a few treatment sessions.

Brachytherapy, or internal radiotherapy, involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or very close to the tumor. This can be done temporarily or permanently. Temporary brachytherapy involves inserting radioactive materials for a specific duration, while permanent brachytherapy, also known as seed implantation, involves placing small, low-dose radioactive sources that remain in the body indefinitely.

Systemic radiotherapy uses radioactive substances that are administered orally or intravenously, allowing the radiation to travel throughout the body and target cancer cells wherever they may be. This method is often used for certain types of cancer that have spread or for specific conditions like hyperthyroidism. The choice of radiotherapy form depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.