Radiotherapy Flashcards Preview

AP Pharmacology > Radiotherapy > Flashcards

Flashcards in Radiotherapy Deck (9)
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1
Q

What is radiotherapy?

A

Treatment of disease by ionising radiation

2
Q

How can radiotherapy be used in treatment of cancer?

A

Shrinking tumour before surgery
Reduce cancer returning after surgery
Control symptoms and reduce pain
Reduce growth of cancer cells

3
Q

What are the 2 types of radiotherapy

A

External and internal

4
Q

How often is external radiotherapy given?

A

Over several days or weeks

5
Q

What is 3D conformal radiotherapy?

A

Use of metal blocks to direct radiation so that it can more accurately target the shape of the tumour. Used in prostate cancer

6
Q

Internal therapy is given how often?

A

only once or a few times

7
Q

Side effects of radiotherapy depend on…

A

Area of treatment, dose and physical wellbeing at the time of treatment

8
Q

Side effects of radiotherapy

A

Tiredness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, sore skin, muscle and joint pain, infertility.

9
Q

Why does radiotherapy help treat graves disease?

A

It reduces the activity of the thyroid gland by destroying cells and thus less T3 and T4 is released.