Rad Onc.

Question 1

how does ionizing radiation work

Answer 1

damages DNA

Question 2

2 uses of rad.

Answer 2

1. kill CA cells

2. shrink tumors

Question 3

2 classes of particles used

Answer 3

1. uncharged (photons/neutrons)

2. charged (protons)

Question 4

** what are 2 types of damages caused by radiation

Answer 4

1. direct - directly strikes DNA and damages

2. indirect - strikes water and forms O2 radicals that then damage DNA crosslinks

Question 5

4 downstream effects of radiation

Answer 5

1. pertubation of cell homeostasis
2. cytokine release
3. anti-angiogenisis molecule
4. induced apoptosis

Question 6

3 treatment approaches

Answer 6

1. radical/curative - high dose
2. neo-adjuvant/adjuvant - moderate/high dose
3. palliative

Question 7

3 delivery modalities

Answer 7

1. external beam
2. brachytherapy
3. systemic

Question 8

stages of radiation

Answer 8

1. immobilize
2. simulation
3. planning
4. quality assurance checks
5. treatment delivery

Question 9

what is used for simulation

Answer 9

CT +/- MRI and PET

Question 10

*** 3 factors to consider for radiation

Answer 10

1. patient factors
2. tumor factors - is it sensitive
3. normal tissue factors - can we reach it without hitting other stuff in unsafe manner

Question 11

** big patient factor

Answer 11

ablity to cooperate, performance status

Question 12

what is dose and fractioning

Answer 12

1. dose - amount in total

fractioning - how it will be broken up

Question 13

what are SE of radiation

Answer 13

acute - burns etc
subacute - irritations
chronic - risk of CA

Question 14

what is one SE for everyone

Answer 14

fatugue - cytokines

Question 15

2 types of treatment for brain tumor

Answer 15

surgery - or radiosurgery

- whole brain radiation

Question 16

SE of whole brain radiation

Answer 16

• fatigue
• hair loss
• headache
• nausea
  seizure