Understanding Radiation Therapy for Glioma: A Guide for Patients
- Typically, your medical team will take a week or so to prepare and plan for radiation. The prep work might involve scans and making a treatment schedule.
- Radiation therapy is typically administered in multiple sessions over several weeks. Each session usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Radiation itself is painless, though patients may experience some side effects after undergoing therapy.
- Common side effects include fatigue, skin sensitivity, localized hair loss, headaches, and nausea.
Radiation is often a critical part of the treatment path for patients with glioma. As Dr. Vempati explains, if your doctor recommends radiation, your treatment team will need to do some scans and planning before the radiation process actually begins.
Preparing for Radiation Therapy
Read More- CT Simulation — The Initial Step: Before starting radiation therapy, a specialized imaging session is conducted to map out the tumor’s precise location. This imaging plays a key role in assisting the medical team to develop a treatment strategy that effectively targets the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Designing a Custom Mask for Accuracy: Although wearing a mask may seem daunting at first, most patients quickly adjust, and its use is essential for precise and effective treatment.
- Additional Prep: Your doctor may discuss dietary or medication changes to optimize treatment effectiveness. Additional imaging tests (such as MRI) or blood work might be necessary for a more detailed tumor assessment. Finally, the medical team will review potential side effects and address any concerns before beginning therapy.
What to Expect During Treatment
Radiation therapy is typically administered in multiple sessions over several weeks.This type of therapy is usually provided five days a week for several weeks. Each session is relatively brief, generally lasting between 10 and 30 minutes, though additional time may be required for setup and positioning.
The daily treatment routine will involve checking into your treatment facility, getting positioned on the treatment table with a secured mask, and receiving radiation.
“Radiation treatment itself is painless. The machine will rotate around you to deliver targeted radiation beams. You may hear clicking or buzzing sounds, but you will not feel anything,” Dr. Vempati explains.
The radiation team will observe you from a separate room and can communicate with you if needed.
After each session, you can resume most of your normal activities, although some fatigue may occur.
Common Side Effects & Management Strategies
Though radiation therapy is precisely targeted, some side effects may still occur.
These vary between patients but commonly include:
- Fatigue: One of the most prevalent side effects. It’s important to listen to your body and allow for additional rest.
- Skin Sensitivity: The treated area may become irritated, dry, or red. Your doctor may suggest specific creams or skin care routines.
- Localized Hair Loss: Hair loss in the treatment area is typically temporary, though regrowth may take time and can sometimes have a different texture or color.
- Headaches or Nausea: Depending on the tumor’s location, you may experience headaches or nausea as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Keeping an open dialogue with your healthcare team is crucial in managing any side effects effectively.
What Happens After Treatment?
Finishing radiation therapy is a major milestone, but continued follow-up and care remain essential.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress and determine the tumor’s response to treatment.
This may include:
- Additional imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans
- Routine blood work and neurological evaluations
- Managing post-treatment side effects
Some side effects may persist for weeks or months after treatment. Continue following your healthcare team’s recommendations regarding skin care, nutrition, and rest.
If new symptoms arise, such as more frequent headaches or neurological changes, notify your doctor immediately.
Rehabilitation and Supportive Care
There are many options for patients who experience long-term side effects after radiation. These include:
- Physical Therapy: Beneficial for those experiencing muscle weakness or coordination challenges after treatment.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation: If memory or concentration is affected, cognitive therapy may help improve function.
- Emotional Support: Coping with a glioma diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. Seeking support from counselors, support groups, or loved ones can be invaluable.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Is there anything I can do to prepare for radiation treatment?
- How long will I need to undergo radiation?
- What sort of side effects should I be on the lookout for?
- How will I be monitored during and after radiation treatment?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
