What are the side effects of radiotherapy?
The function of radiotherapy is to treat malignant tissues with so-called “ionizing” radiation so that the division of cancer cells is interrupted and the cells are thus destroyed.Since cancer cells are sometimes located between healthy tissues and the radiation is not limited to the tumor, reactions and side effects to X-rays occur at the site of radiation as well as throughout the body. Direct side effects immediately after treatment are vomiting, nausea and reddening of the skin at the site of radiation. Especially mucous membranes and other tissues that divide quickly and frequently are affected by the radiation.
This can lead to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the intestine and oesophagus as well as infections. Depending on which organ is irradiated, organ-dependent side effects may occur. In the case of irradiation of haematopoietic bones, these can be anaemia or blood count changes.
Can side effects be prevented?
The most important measure to minimize acute side effects of radiation therapy in colorectal cancer is the fractionation of the radiation dose. This means splitting the radiation therapy into many sessions to give the tissue time to regenerate. After radiation, rest and resting should be observed if possible.
The body needs a lot of energy to react to the stimuli of radiation therapy. In order to minimize skin irritation, loose clothing should be worn and the skin should be protected from the sun, detergents and perfumes, and dryness. In order to prevent infections, malnutrition and intestinal pain, nutritional advice can be given in advance. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be necessary for radiation therapy of the intestine. If food intake is too restricted due to pain, painkillers can also be taken temporarily.
What can be done if the radiotherapy does not work?
In some cases, colorectal cancer may not respond sensitively to radiotherapy. The consequences are invisible reductions of the tumor or even further local growth. In these cases, radiotherapy should be discontinued and an alternative therapy should be considered depending on the stage of the disease.
If the radiotherapy does not work before the operation, the operation can be brought forward and performed immediately. Otherwise, instead of radiotherapy, chemotherapy can be used, which has similar objectives to radiotherapy. In palliative therapy, unsuccessful radiation therapy can also be interrupted. In these cases, the side effects and symptoms of radiation often outweigh the success of the therapy. Is colorectal cancer curable at all?
