Fractions and Sessions in Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, utilising high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. A key concept in radiotherapy cancer treatment is fractionation, which involves dividing the total radiation dose into smaller doses called fractions. This approach helps to maximise the damage to cancer cells while minimising harm to healthy tissues.
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What Are Fractions?
A fraction is a small, manageable dose of radiation. Instead of delivering the entire radiation dose in one session, the total dose is divided into multiple fractions. Each fraction is typically given once a day, five days a week, over several weeks. This method allows healthy cells time to repair between sessions, reducing side effects1.
Types Of Fractionation
- Conventional Fractionation: This is the standard method, involving daily doses of 180-200 cGy, five days a week, over six to seven weeks.
- Hyperfractionation: This method delivers smaller doses more frequently, often twice a day, and is used for certain cancers like head and neck.
- Hypofractionation: Involves higher doses per fraction but fewer treatment sessions, making the overall treatment period shorter. It is used for cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate.
- Accelerated Fractionation: Delivers smaller doses more frequently, including weekends, to shorten the overall treatment time. Commonly used for breast and head and neck cancers.
- Palliative Fractionation: Tailored to the patient’s needs to improve quality of life in advanced cancer cases.
Radiation Therapy Sessions
A radiotherapy fraction is also referred to as a treatment session. Each session of radiation therapy involves positioning the patient and delivering the prescribed dose of radiation. The sessions are typically short, lasting about 15-30 minutes. The actual radiation exposure time is only a few minutes, but setup and positioning take longer to ensure accuracy.
Key Points Summary
| Fractionation Type | Dose per Fraction | Frequency | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Fractionation | 180-200 cGy | Once daily, 5 days/week | Most cancer types |
| Hyperfractionation | Smaller doses | Twice daily | Head and neck, breast cancers |
| Hypofractionation | Higher doses | Once daily or less | Lung, breast, prostate, gynecologic cancers |
| Accelerated Fractionation | Smaller doses | More than once daily | Breast, head and neck cancers |
| Palliative Fractionation | Variable | Tailored to patient | Symptom management in advanced cancers |
Fractionation and carefully planned sessions are crucial in radiation therapy, allowing oncologists to tailor treatments to individual patient needs, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatment while reducing side effects.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.