Question 1

does radiation therapy weaken people's immune systems?

Accepted Answer

Very little: Radiation acts locally. Depending on the region of the body that is being irradiated it can have some affects on the immune system. Usually this affect is minimal. We rarely need to monitor blood counts if only radiation is being administered. Chemotherapy on the other hand fracture immune system greatly since it is a systemic therapy (not local) and often need to monitor blood counts.

Question 2

doesn't radiation therapy increase cancer cell growth?

Accepted Answer

Not really: When given appropiately, radiation helps with local control. Keeping the tumor from recurring where it started). But yes exposure to radiation can be a cause for second cancers-( tho rare) most commonly sarcomas in the area of the radiated tissue).

Question 3

is there a reason i can't take antioxidants while i'm getting radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Radiation takes advantage of free radicals formed in the field of radiation to cause dna damage targeted at cancer cells.  Antioxidants are free radical scavengers, so they can potentially reduce the effectiveness of radiation treatments.  It is best to avoid mega doses of antioxidants in the diet during and up to 6 weeks after radiation treatments.

Question 4

why can't my father be around my children while he's having radiation therapy for his prostate?

Accepted Answer

Seeds /y radioactive: Radioactive seed implant of prostate makes your father slightly radioactive for about 6 months when the amount of radioactivity has decreased significantly.  Children have young organs prone to injury from radiation.  
Other forms of radiation like external beam radiation, imrt, igrt, cyberknife, high-dose-rate brachy therapy do not make your father radioactive.  No risk to be around children.

Question 5

for what reason aren't patients shielded when they are receiving radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Shields are built in: Radiation therapy machines have the shields built in to them.  These shape the radiation to fit the area of the body that needs to be treated and protects the rest.  Additionally, it takes many inches if lead to block the radiation used for external beam treatment and a person cannot wear a shield thick enough to block the beam.

Question 6

can radiation therapy increase cell growth?

Accepted Answer

No and Yes: Radiation therapy slows or stops cell growth. The goal is of course to kill cancer cells and they don't grow and die.  However if you look up the four r's of radiation biology.  The last one is repoplulation in which during fractionated radiation cells increase growth to  repopulate.  Luckily we see this more often in the good cells but unfortunately in some cases resistant cancer cells.

Question 7

how long is the average radiation therapy session?

Accepted Answer

A few minutes: Standard daily radiation the machine is on 30 seconds to one minute for each field.  The whole set up and treatment may take 10 minutes.  With intensity modulation however it may take 7 to 10 minutes to treat but 10 minutes in additional to set up.  So a patient might be on the table for 20 minutes.  Not average radiation like cyberknife may take an 1 and 1/2 hours.

Question 8

how would you prepare yourself before undergoing radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Fluid: Have plenty of fluid and anti nausea and vomiting agent and maybe take Motrin before radiation.

Question 9

can patients getting radiation therapy still exercise?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you are asking you probably feel like it and have the energy.
Do not push yourself and listen to your body.  If the treatment leaves you feeling normal and exercise makes you feel better then it is okay.  If you have a skin reaction that is significant sweating may irritated it.  Make sure none of these things like skin effects, low blood counts or just fatigue are going on and it will be okay.

Question 10

is it normal for my head to swell after radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

No: Not normal for the head to swell, but if you are getting radiation to your brain, there can be some swellling in the brain that is typically treated with steroids.

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Doctor answers about:

Why does radiation therapy weaken the immune system

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Does radiation therapy weaken people's immune systems?

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Doesn't radiation therapy increase cancer cell growth?

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Is there a reason i can't take antioxidants while i'm getting radiation therapy?

A member asked:

Why can't my father be around my children while he's having radiation therapy for his prostate?

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For what reason aren't patients shielded when they are receiving radiation therapy?

A member asked:

Can radiation therapy increase cell growth?

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How long is the average radiation therapy session?

A member asked:

How would you prepare yourself before undergoing radiation therapy?

A member asked:

Can patients getting radiation therapy still exercise?

A member asked:

Is it normal for my head to swell after radiation therapy?

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