A view inside during radiation therapy

In this video, we used the VERT technology again to describe how radiation therapy works in the case of a lung cancer patient.

Here are some terms that you might be unfamiliar with used in the video:

Organs at risk

Organs at risk are normal tissues that are close to tumours, and as a result will be in the treatment field. The impact that radiation therapy has on these organs depends on their sensitivity to radiation therapy. This is taken into account when planning a patient’s treatment in order to minimise the dose to these organs at risk and maximise it to the tumour.

Multileaf collimators

Multileaf collimators (MLCs) are made of high density material and are located in the head of the gantry. They are routinely used to shape the beam by blocking specific parts of the radiation beam.

Target volume

The target volume is the tumour, together with a small margin around, it to ensure that the tumour receives the prescribed dose.

Oesophagitis

This is inflammation of the oesophagus due to radiation. It may feel like pain when swallowing or a lump in your throat which can make eating difficult. This is a side effect which can be managed with advice from your expert treatment team.

Using the information in this video:

• Why do some patients experience side effects with radiation therapy?