Radiation therapy process

SHORT VERSION

Radiation therapy includes four main steps:

  • delineation of the area to be treated by imaging: this allows targeting the radiation beams specifically to the tumor area;
  • calculation of the dose to be delivered and in how many sessions (dosimetry);
  • treatment delivery;
  • follow-up during and after the treatment.

The radiation therapy process is based on the work of a multidisciplinary team supervised by a radiation oncologist. This team also includes a radiation oncologist, a medical physicist, and a dosimetrist. Together, they will determine the main following parameters of the treatment:

  • total radiation dose
  • treatment duration
  • dose fractionation (i.e. the amount irradiation delivered at each session)
  • volume to be irradiated

 

External radiation therapy involves four main steps:

  • delineation of the area to be treated
  • calculation of the dose to be delivered and in how many sessions (dosimetry)*.
  • treatment delivery (radiotherapy sessions)
  • follow-up during and after treatment.

 

*The dosimetry step does not require the patient’s presence