Radiation therapy treatment of Stomach Cancer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 26, 2005 -- Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. Like surgery, it is local therapy; the radiation can affect cancer cells only in the treated area. Radiation therapy is sometimes given after surgery to destroy cancer cells that may remain in the area. Researchers are conducting clinical trials to find out whether it is helpful to give radiation therapy during surgery (intraoperative radiation therapy). Radiation therapy may also be used to relieve pain or blockage.

The patient goes to the hospital or clinic each day for radiation therapy. Usually treatments are given 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.

These are some questions a patient may want ask the doctor before receiving radiation therapy:

What is the goal of this treatment?

How will the radiation be given?

When will the treatment begin? When will it end?

Will I have side effects? What can I do about them?

How will we know if the radiation therapy is working?