Radiation therapy for breast cancer

Such a terrible disease as breast cancer can be overcome only by complex measures, which include surgical intervention, drug treatment, chemotherapy, radiological irradiation, nutrition and other measures. Radiation therapy for breast cancer is also used as monotherapy, it combines well with surgical intervention, and is a consolidation of the result after chemotherapy. Modern radiological irradiation devices are free from many negative factors that were manifested when carrying out such an event 10-15 years ago. Modern radiation therapy allows to affect malignant conglomerates of neoplasms quite locally, without affecting healthy cells.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Indications for radiation therapy for breast cancer

Before deciding on the question of in which cases an oncologist prescribes laser therapy, the question of the types of this procedure, which depends on the purpose of its use, should first be raised:

• Radical radiological irradiation, which allows for complete resorption of the malignant neoplasm.
• Palliative radiological irradiation is prescribed when diagnosing significant tumor volumes and widespread metastasis. In this case, it will not be possible to achieve complete relief of the problem, but it is quite possible to slow down the spread of metastases and the growth of the formation. This procedure allows prolonging the life of an oncological patient, reducing pain symptoms, making his life easier.
• Symptomatic irradiation is prescribed by an oncologist in the case of a particularly severe clinical picture of the disease. After the rays have passed, the intensity and severity of pain in such a patient decreases, which is already difficult to eliminate even with narcotic painkillers.

Indications for radiation therapy for breast cancer, on the basis of which the necessary prescription is made:

• More than four affected lymph nodes.
• Numerous foci of invasion in the mammary glands;
• An edematous form of cancerous neoplasm affecting a woman's mammary gland and/or lymph nodes with the formation of conglomerate structures. That is, when diagnosing a locally widespread process not burdened by tumor decay products.
• Metastatic bone lesion with painful symptoms.
• Radical resection of the mammary gland.
• Organ-preserving surgical intervention.
• Elimination of complications of the progressive cancer process.
• Preoperative radiation therapy to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells.
• Postoperative radiation therapy to remove any remaining cells after surgery.
  • High probability of recurrence.
  • The third stage of cancer.
  • Numerous metastases in the axillary-subclavian region.

Intraoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer

Until recently, radiological irradiation of the operated area was carried out after the operation was completed. The rays affected and destroyed cells that for one reason or another could not be excised.

But science does not stand still. New treatment methods and modern, more advanced equipment are being developed and implemented. Innovative intraoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer, which has appeared in the arsenal of oncologists not so long ago, has already proven itself in the treatment of many oncological diseases.

The essence of this method is that it allows to start the process of irradiation of cancer cells at the stage of surgical intervention. Radioactive rays are directed to a specific area immediately after excision of the tumor. This allows to minimize the probability of a residual tumor. That is, the area of the tumor that may not have been excised is neutralized. After all, as studies show, in nine cases out of ten, recurrent breast carcinoma appears in the place where the tumor has already been excised. It is for this reason that oncologists practice immediate targeted irradiation with high doses of the area that falls into the risk zone.

The high efficiency and attractiveness of the method under consideration also lies in the fact that healthy cells of the body are not affected.

As shown by monitoring the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), which captures the results of the last five years, the percentage of relapses is quite low, compared to classical radiological therapy, and is less than 2%.

The considered method of defeating cancer cells during the therapy process is especially relevant for elderly patients, but if we are talking about a low-aggressive type of cancerous tumors. In some cases, a complete replacement of postoperative radiological irradiation with intraoperative radiation therapy is allowed. If postoperative radiation therapy is unavoidable, the use of the intraoperative method makes it possible to reduce the prolonged use of postoperative radiation therapy by an average of a couple of weeks.

To date, due to the innovative nature of the technology, the optimal level of single doses of electron radiation has not been established. Oncologists, relying on their experience and the clinical picture of the disease, prescribe a dosage that falls within the range of 8 to 40 Gy.

As observations have shown, patients undergoing the IORT procedure tolerate the session normally, without any particular complications.

Immediately after intraoperative radiation therapy, doctors noted increased swelling and redness of the irradiated and adjacent tissues. There is another feature: during the first two to three days, there was a pronounced exudate secreted into the tissue and/or cavities of the body (exudative reaction). Subsequently, the recovery period proceeds relatively normally.

Some patients show an increase in local body temperature on the seventh to ninth day. Locally, in the irradiation zone, swelling and hematoma formation are observed, which subsequently develops into an infiltrate with subsequent suppuration.

Small betatrons (devices emitting the necessary beams), placed directly in the operating room, allow laser treatment of the patient while still on the operating table, without weakening control over the patient's condition. Control is carried out remotely using a monitor.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Quite often, fearing side effects, patients refuse radiation treatment. The percentage of refusals is especially high among elderly patients. This is mainly due to psychological fear and ignorance. To dispel some of the speculation, it is necessary to discuss in more detail what side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer can occur and are most often manifested.

It is worth immediately reassuring patients that such symptoms as hair loss and persistent nausea are not observed during the procedure in question due to the fact that the dose of ionizing radiation used is low enough, so it does not lead to the development of radiation sickness.

However, side effects do exist and occur with varying frequency and intensity in different patients. The following are usually observed:

• Increased fatigue, which becomes more noticeable towards the end of the course and gradually disappears on its own after its completion. The recovery period is long and takes from one to two months.
• Pain in the area of the mammary gland affected by radiation may occasionally occur. It may be either dull, aching, or sharp (these are less common). Usually, this symptom also does not require medication.
• Quite often, radiation dermatitis may develop on the skin of the irradiated patient. Three to four weeks after the start of therapy, local irritation may develop on the skin, accompanied by:
  • Itching.
  • Edema of the subcutaneous tissue.
  • Hyperemia.
  • Increased dryness of the skin.
• In some patients, radiation dermatitis may progress “according to the scenario” of sunburn.
  • Wet desquamation may develop in the form of fluid-filled blisters.
  • Epidermal detachment is possible. Mostly, such lesions occur in the anatomical folds of the body. For example, the armpits and under the breasts. Mostly, such pathological symptoms gradually disappear within five to seven weeks after the end of irradiation. In order to resist the appearance of such pathology for as long as possible, it is necessary to monitor the skin and try to keep your immune status high. It is also worth taking care of your clothing. Throughout the treatment, it should be comfortable, not squeeze or rub. It is desirable if it is made of natural materials, so as not to provoke an allergic reaction in the body, which is already weakened by the disease. During therapy, it is also worth refraining from using alcohol-based products for wiping the skin, as it dries it. Creams are also not welcome. Against the background of excessive sweating, many patients may experience skin maceration (separation of plant or animal cells in tissues).
• Muscle soreness may occur.
• Decreased blood counts. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia develop.
• Quite rarely, but it is possible that cough and other manifestations of the inflammatory process occurring in the respiratory organs may appear.
• Dyspeptic intestinal disorders.
• Temporary darkening of the epidermis in the chest area on the side of the irradiation.

What side effects can radiation therapy cause?

Consequences of radiation therapy for breast cancer

The vast majority of patients in oncology clinics undergo the procedure of radiological irradiation of cancer cells in order to suppress their ability to reproduce and destroy them. Over the past ten to fifteen years, medical radiological equipment has undergone a number of significant changes and improvements. The procedure in question has become much safer, but despite this, this method cannot be called absolutely safe for the patient's body. However, the effect it brings in localizing, reducing the volume and destroying cancerous tumors outweighs the negative effects of its manifestations.

The consequences of radiation therapy for breast cancer directly depend on the condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, the level of individual tissue sensitivity, as well as the depth of penetration of radiological rays. In most cases, the consequences of radiation begin to manifest in patients who have undergone a long course of treatment.

The main consequences, such as moderate swelling and minor pain symptoms, may cause some discomfort for six to twelve months after the procedure. These pains are usually caused by the development of post-radiation myositis (damage to muscle tissue under the influence of various factors, which is inflammatory, traumatic or toxic in nature).

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Complications of radiation therapy for breast cancer

Usually, complications of radiation therapy for breast cancer do not require any therapeutic measures or supportive treatment. But this fact should not be ignored. The pathological symptoms that have appeared should be reported to your attending physician - an oncologist or an observing mammologist, who should take this fact under control and, if necessary, take adequate measures to stop the problem.

One of the complications that often requires medical intervention is lymphedema (swelling of the muscle structures of the arm on the side of the affected chest). It is possible to develop radiation pneumonia, the catalyst for which was the effect of X-rays on the chest tissue. This disease can begin to progress three to nine months after receiving a therapeutic dose.

Another complication of radiological therapy is the loss of muscle strength of the upper limb on the side of the affected chest (which becomes chronic). To reanimate this process, it is necessary to involve the knowledge and assistance of specialists.

Radiation ulcers may appear on the patient's skin surface, which require immediate surgical intervention. A remote complication of radiation therapy may be damage to the myocardium and respiratory organs.

But most of the complications do not require any medical care. It is possible to reduce the impact of ionizing radiation, and therefore the severity of complications, only by using more innovative equipment, carefully selecting the radiation dose and correctly localizing the area of irradiation.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer After Chemotherapy

Quite often, to obtain a more effective result, the patient receives complex treatment, which may consist of chemotherapy, the result of which is reinforced by radiological irradiation. Radiation therapy for breast cancer after chemotherapy is a fairly common tandem, showing the most positive result compared to their use separately as monotherapy.

In this case, chemotherapy for breast cancer is used to destroy cancerous conglomerates, while radiological ionizing radiation, having a local effect on a specific area of the tumor and the lymphatic flow pathways, allows the destruction of residual “living” cancer cells that managed to “escape” destruction by the pharmacological drugs used in the chemotherapy.

The combination of chemotherapy with ionizing radiation is especially often prescribed in situations where, for some reason, the use of more radical methods is unacceptable. For example, in the case of inoperable or infiltrative-edematous cancer. Another option for use is when the patient himself refuses surgery. Then this tandem is prescribed to reduce pain and prolong the patient's life.

Reviews of radiation therapy for breast cancer

Breast cancer is a pathological disease characterized by the development of malignant conglomerates in one or both mammary glands. This is perhaps one of the most common diseases, the frequency of diagnosis of which has increased significantly over the past few years. For this reason, there are more and more women who are interested in this issue. And it is justified by the fact that either the woman herself has encountered this pathology, or is a close observer of the trouble that happened to her relative, friend or acquaintance. But, in any case, knowledge about the problem, the mechanism of its development and the prognosis for the future can bring the patient a certain emotional stability, which is important for the patient who is just about to go through this difficult path. After all, a woman is more afraid of the unknown, which affects her psyche.

Today, on the Internet, you can find many forums providing feedback on radiation therapy for breast cancer, where former patients and their relatives share their experiences and experiences of undergoing the procedure. Here you can also find numerous tips that can help a woman who has found herself in a similar situation.

Most respondents agree that it is practically impossible to do without radiation therapy in stopping the problem of breast cancer. But the consequences and complications that such patients have to overcome are quite different. Some subsequently have to fight shortness of breath for a long time, which manifests itself as a symptom of radiation pneumonia, someone suffers from radiation dermatitis and has to fight with it for a long time, and some patients went through the rehabilitation process without feeling enough discomfort.

But almost everyone agrees that radiation therapy is a ticket to the future life. Some find the strength to live happily ever after with their families. For others, even if only for a short time, this life is extended, and how good it will be depends on the person himself.

Therefore, it will be very useful for a woman preparing to undergo a course of laser therapy to read the statements and advice of former patients, to talk to them. After all, most fears and doubts are due to ignorance of the subject and what awaits in the future. If the patient imagines what awaits her, what complications and consequences she can expect and how to “soften” or completely prevent their manifestation, then the mood with which she goes to radiation will be completely different. And as doctors note, a significant part of the effectiveness of the treatment result depends on the person himself and his attitude to recovery.

Cancer is a terrible diagnosis that sounds like a sentence to pain and death. This is how many people perceive this disease. And people (in this case, women) who have received a second chance at life can argue with them with good reason. And this chance for them was radiation therapy for breast cancer. After all, no one will argue that many of them would have been dead for a long time if they had not undergone this procedure. Yes, it hurts, yes, it is scary. But this is a chance to live and you need to take advantage of it, and what your life, given to you by oncologists, will be like after treatment will largely depend on the person himself, the moral and physical help of his family and friends. Be healthy! Live long and happily, appreciating every day!