There are different treatment options for lung cancer depending on the type of cancer, the stage it’s and your overall health. Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is a common treatment that may be used in all stages of lung cancer.
Your treating healthcare team will talk to you about your individual treatment plan and options available to you. Understanding the treatment options and what each one involves can help you to feel more empowered to make informed decisions with your healthcare team.
We spoke with A/Prof Michael Jones (Radiation Oncologist) about radiation therapy to answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Watch the video or read more below.
What is radiation therapy and when is it used for lung cancer treatment?
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy are high energy X-rays which kill cancer cells. Radiotherapy can be used in all stages of lung cancer:
- Stage I and II: radiotherapy is usually used alone.
- Stage III: radiotherapy is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy.
- Stage IV: radiotherapy is used to treat tumours within the lung, while also used on areas where cancer may have spread outside the lung (metastasis) to improve pain or provide control.
What types of radiation are used in treating lung cancer?
The type of radiation used will depend on the size, location and stage of lung cancer.
- Standard external beam radiotherapy is delivered as a daily treatment over several weeks.
- Stereotactic radiotherapy is a highly precise form of radiotherapy delivering larger doses per session and requiring fewer treatments. This type of radiotherapy is used to treat small lung tumours.
How much radiation can I have on my lungs?
Most people will only receive a single course of radiotherapy to their lungs, but if the cancer comes back in the lung or you have another cancer in the lung, you may be eligible to receive a second course of radiotherapy.
What should I expect when I have lung radiation?
Standard external beam radiotherapy is typically delivered as a daily treatment, five days a week, with weekends off. It is delivered over a period of six to seven weeks. It is essentially like having a CT scan every day. You will attend your treating facility, lie on a flat bed and once you’re in position, treatment will be delivered over about 10 minutes. You will not see or feel anything, nor will you be radioactive. You will be able to drive and go home immediately following the procedure.
Stereotactic radiotherapy is delivered slightly differently to standard beam radiotherapy, combining many small beams of radiation from different angles to target the exact shape of the tumour. This type of radiotherapy is usually administered in one to five daily treatments over one to two weeks.
How do I prepare for radiation therapy?
Once you have met with a radiation oncologist and elected to proceed with treatment, you will be booked in for a planning scan, which is a CT scan. Most people won’t require any medications or injections at this appointment, but you may have a temporary tattoo applied in the form of two small dots on the chest wall to accurately reproduce your position when you come in for further treatment.
The radiotherapy treatment is then planned based on the CT scan. This process takes several days, so you can usually expect to start treatment one to two weeks after your planning scan.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Everyone will respond differently to radiation therapy depending on the location of your tumour and type of radiation administered. Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Painful swallowing
- Skin irritation
These symptoms should resolve within the weeks following treatment.
How long after radiation therapy will I know if it’s been successful?
Depending on the situation, you will usually have a repeat scan one to three months following radiotherapy to give an indication of your body’s initial response. Depending on the situation, you may then have further treatment or ongoing monitoring with regular scans.
Most people are monitored for at least five years.
What support might I need during my course of radiation and afterwards?
During your treatment, you will be seen daily by the radiation therapist and reviewed regularly by the nursing and medical staff. Depending on the location of the cancer, you may also need to see a dietician to discuss an altered diet and medication to help you swallow.
Many centres have Cancer Care Coordinators who you can contact at any time, and you’ll have regular follow ups with your doctor after your treatment.
Please note: the information in this blog is of general nature only. Speak to your treating healthcare team for specific advice on your health and wellbeing.
Connect to care
Lung Foundation Australia has a range of resources and support services to help you and your loved ones, including our free Lung Cancer Support Nurse telephone service. Our highly experienced nurses can provide evidence-based information about diagnosis, treatment and symptom management. Complete the form below to chat to our team about booking a free telephone appointment or contact free call 1800 654 301 to find out more about how we can help.