Latest news with #radiationtherapy
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oncologist hires may 'finish the battle for radiation' in Corner Brook, says advocate
Cancer patients on the west coast of Newfoundland will soon be able to receive radiation therapy closer to home. On Friday the Newfoundland and Labrador government announced two radiation oncologists have been recruited to work at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. Gerald Parsons, who has been fighting for better cancer care on the west coast for decades as co-chair of the Western Regional Hospital Action Committee, said he'll be pleased as soon as the first oncologist starts work. "Hopefully this will finish the battle for radiation," he told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning. Years ago he had no choice but to take his wife to St. John's for cancer treatment and said radiation services in Corner Brook would have made a world of difference. WATCH | Radiation in Corner Brook means west coast families can stay close to home: "They say one of the biggest healing processes with cancer is having family around you," he said. "We spent five weeks in St. John's at a hotel." For Parsons, radiation services on the west coast has been a long time coming. "It's been a year since [the Western Memorial Regional Hospital] opened up and the service is still not there. All the equipment is here," said Parsons. In Friday's statement, the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services said the two oncologists will start work in the summer and fall, and radiation oncology services will be rolled out in three phases. The ongoing first phase provides CT simulations to eligible patients for radiation planning purposes. Phase two is hoped to begin in late August and include consultations and follow-up appointments in Corner Brook. The third and final phase of the radiation service roll-out "includes radiation services beginning and continuing to scale up as recruitment and onboarding of specialized staff progresses," said the statement. Parsons said the announcement is a step closer to his ultimate goal of better health-care services in western Newfoundland. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
CBC
20-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Oncologist hires may 'finish the battle for radiation' in Corner Brook, says advocate
Cancer patients on the west coast of Newfoundland will soon be able to receive radiation therapy closer to home. On Friday the Newfoundland and Labrador government announced two radiation oncologists have been recruited to work at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. Gerald Parsons, who has been fighting for better cancer care on the west coast for decades as co-chair of the Western Regional Hospital Action Committee, said he'll be pleased as soon as the first oncologist starts work. "Hopefully this will finish the battle for radiation," he told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning. Years ago he had no choice but to take his wife to St. John's for cancer treatment and said radiation services in Corner Brook would have made a world of difference. WATCH | Radiation in Corner Brook means west coast families can stay close to home: N.L. finds its health staff for radiation unit in Corner Brook 5 days ago The wait for radiation treatment in Corner Brook has been a long fight for people like Gerald Parsons. The opening of the new Western Memorial Regional Hospital came with the promise of on-site radiation, but not the professionals to staff it. Now, the province has announced, two new radiation oncologists have been recruited with treatment expected to begin in the fall. "They say one of the biggest healing processes with cancer is having family around you," he said. "We spent five weeks in St. John's at a hotel." For Parsons, radiation services on the west coast has been a long time coming. "It's been a year since [the Western Memorial Regional Hospital] opened up and the service is still not there. All the equipment is here," said Parsons. In Friday's statement, the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services said the two oncologists will start work in the summer and fall, and radiation oncology services will be rolled out in three phases. The ongoing first phase provides CT simulations to eligible patients for radiation planning purposes. Phase two is hoped to begin in late August and include consultations and follow-up appointments in Corner Brook. The third and final phase of the radiation service roll-out "includes radiation services beginning and continuing to scale up as recruitment and onboarding of specialized staff progresses," said the statement. Parsons said the announcement is a step closer to his ultimate goal of better health-care services in western Newfoundland.
Health Line
15-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are several different types of radiation therapy. The type that may be recommended for you depends on a variety of factors, such as your cancer, its stage, and your treatment goals. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment. It uses high doses of radiation to: kill cancer cells slow the growth of cancer cells ease cancer symptoms like bone pain Researchers estimate that over 30% of people with cancer in the United States receive radiation therapy as a part of their first-line cancer treatment. One-half of people with cancer have radiation therapy at some point in their treatment journey. This article examines the different types of radiation therapy, how they work, and what they're typically used to treat. What is external beam radiation therapy? External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation therapy. It can be used to treat a vast variety of cancers. In EBRT, a specialized machine is used to aim high-energy particles directly at the cancer. The machines used to deliver EBRT can resemble a larger version of an X-ray machine or a CT scanner. The most common kind of machine used for EBRT is a linear accelerator. EBRT is a local treatment, which means it only affects the part of your body affected by cancer. For example, if you're being treated for breast cancer, EBRT will only be focused on the tumor in your breast and not your entire body. EBRT often involves daily radiation therapy 5 days a week for several weeks. The exact number of weeks you have EBRT can depend on factors like the type of cancer you have, your treatment goals, and the radiation dose used. You typically have EBRT as an outpatient, meaning that you can return home after your treatment sessions. Types of particles used for EBRT Currently, there are several different types of particles used for EBRT, these include: protons photons electrons Photons Most EBRT machines use photons, which can reach cancers deep within your body. Photons are the same type of particle used in X-rays. However, the dose of photons received during EBRT is much stronger. There are several subtypes of photon-based EBRT to be aware of. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) 3D-CRT delivers radiation from several different directions and uses imaging like CT scans MRI scans, or PET scans to accurately pinpoint the cancer. A computer program uses the imaging information to develop a treatment plan specific to your tumor. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) IMRT is similar to 3D-CRT. However, it uses more numerous, smaller radiation beams. The intensity of these can also be adjusted so that some areas of a tumor get higher doses of radiation than others. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a newer way of giving IMRT. In VMAT, the radiation machine moves around you and can adjust the radiation beam during your treatment. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) In IGRT, imaging is used to plan treatment, as well as to direct the radiation during a treatment session. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) SRS directs a very focused beam containing a high dose of radiation at a tumor and can be used if conventional surgery isn't an option. It's often used for tumors in the brain and other areas inside the skull. SBRT is essentially the same as SRS, but is given outside of the brain. As such, it may be used for tumors affecting tissues, including but not limited to the lungs, liver, and prostate. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) IORT is when you receive radiation during a surgical procedure to treat your cancer. It can be used if a surgeon cannot completely remove a tumor or if the cancer has a high risk of coming back. Protons Protons are positively charged particles that can also reach cancers deep in the body. Compared to photons, protons are less likely to scatter within the body, which means healthy tissue is less likely to be exposed to radiation. Proton-based EBRT can be used to treat cancers affecting the: eyes prostate liver lung brain and spinal cord skull base head and neck Electrons Electrons are negatively charged particles. Compared to photons and protons, they cannot travel that far in the body. Because of this, electrons are typically used for cancers close to the surface of the body, such as those on the skin. What is internal radiation therapy? Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) is when a radiation source is placed inside your body. This is in contrast to EBRT, where the radiation source is located outside of your body. However, like EBRT, internal radiation therapy is a type of local treatment, allowing radiation to be inside or near your cancer without affecting other areas of the body. There are several types of cancer for which internal radiation therapy may be used. Some of the most common include: It's also possible that internal radiation therapy may be recommended for certain types of: penile cancer urethral cancer head and neck cancer eye cancer sarcoma Radiation sources for internal radiation therapy are implanted during a procedure that uses a catheter or applicator and may involve either general or local anesthesia. Implants can come in a variety of forms, including: seeds, pellets, or capsules discs or plaques tubes or wires There are three general types of internal radiation therapy. Low dose internal radiation therapy A low dose internal radiation therapy implant can typically stay in place from 1 to 7 days, after which it's removed. High dose internal radiation therapy In high dose internal radiation therapy, an implant is only left in place for 10 to 20 minutes before being removed. You may have this type of internal radiation therapy twice daily for up to five days or once weekly for up to five weeks. Permanent internal radiation therapy A permanent internal radiation therapy implant remains in your body for the rest of your life. The level of radiation from the implant decreases gradually over time. What is systemic radiation therapy? In contrast to EBRT and internal radiation therapy, systemic radiation therapy is when the radiation travels throughout your body. This type of radiation therapy uses drugs to deliver the radiation to the cancer. These can be given by mouth or into your bloodstream via an IV. There are two types of systemic radiation therapy. Radioimmunotherapy Radioimmunotherapy uses radioactive material attached to a monoclonal antibody that's specific to certain types of cancer cells. When the antibody binds to the cancer cell, it delivers the radiation. This type of systemic radiation therapy can be used for neuroendocrine tumors, prostate cancer, and some kinds of lymphoma. Peptide receptor radionucleotide therapy (PRRT) PRRT utilizes radioactive material that's attached to a short protein (peptide). It targets cancer cells with receptors for this peptide. The peptide delivers the radiation when it binds to its receptor on the cancer cell. PRRT is used for neuroendocrine tumors. Takeaway There are several types of radiation therapy. Additionally, each type of radiation therapy has different subtypes. The type of radiation therapy that's recommended for you can depend on factors like the type of cancer you have, the stage of your cancer, your treatment goals, and your age and overall health. If radiation therapy is part of your cancer treatment plan, be sure to speak to your doctor about your specific treatment. They can give you more information on things like the procedures involved, how long your treatment will last, and what types of side effects to expect.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Louis van Gaal, 73, announces he is free from prostate cancer as former Man United manager reveals he is getting 'fitter and fitter'
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has announced that he is free from prostate cancer, ending his five-year health battle. The 73-year-old was diagnosed in late 2020, but kept the news private until April 2022, when he went public during his third spell as head coach of the Netherlands. He revealed it was an 'aggressive' form, undergoing around 25 radiation therapy sessions, hormone injections, surgeries, catheters, and urine bags, while continuing to coach and even lead his team through the 2022 World Cup. Van Gaal resigned after the tournament to focus on fighting his prostate cancer, and revealed in September 2023 that it would be a 'miracle' if he ever goes to the toilet by himself again. Nevertheless, last year, he candidly shared: 'I can pee naturally again, which is important. But I cannot have sex anymore, that's a problem.' And now, the legendary coach's health has continued to improve. Van Gaal is completely cancer free but is still receiving check-ups every few months. The Dutchman was diagnosed in 2020 but only went public with the news in April 2022 'I no longer suffer from cancer,' he said. 'Two years ago, I had a few surgeries. It was all bad then. 'But it all worked out in the end, so I can manage it now. I have checkups every few months, and that's going well. I'm getting fitter and fitter.' Van Gaal coached Man United between 2014 and 2016, lifting the FA Cup during his final season at Old Trafford. He took a five-year break from management, citing 'family reasons', before returning to the Netherlands dugout in 2021. Before managing in England, Van Gaal enjoyed stints at Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AZ Alkmaar, and two tenures with his national team. He won 566 of his 930 games as a manager - a 60.86 per cent win rate - and is considered by many as one of the greatest tacticians the sport has ever seen.
Medical News Today
05-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Radiotherapy for breast cancer linked to lower Alzheimer's risk
A cohort study led by researchers from Samsung Medical Center in South Korea examined the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in breast cancer survivors. The scientists compared the prevalence of Alzheimer's to the different methods of cancer treatment and also to a group of healthy women. The researchers found that breast cancer survivors treated with radiation therapy had an 8% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's in the short term. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and according to the American Cancer Society, women have a one in eight chance of developing it at some point. At the same time, Alzheimer's disease is another public health challenge. According to the Alzheimer's Association, it affects an estimated seven million people in the United States researchers noted that a common concern with cancer treatments is that they may cause long-term cognitive side effects, so they explored whether breast cancer treatments impact the chances of developing Alzheimer's. The researchers published their findings in JAMA Network for breast cancer: Is there a link with Alzheimer's risk? Breast cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of 91%. Treatment depends on whether the cancer is localized or has metastasized (spread beyond the breast). Localized breast cancer is easier to treat, while metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and requires more aggressive ways doctors treat breast cancer include: surgery such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy)hormone (endocrine) therapytargeted early-stage breast cancer often involves radiation therapy as part of the treatment. Around 70% of women with breast cancer have radiation therapy, and approximately 40% receive chemotherapy. These cancer treatments can cause some serious side effects; radiation therapy can cause hair loss, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Some side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, neuropathy, and cognitive changes (chemo brain). The scientists involved in the new study utilized data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service to examine Alzheimer's risk in breast cancer survivors. They included a group of around 70,000 breast cancer survivors and a control group of around 180,000 women. The participants underwent cancer surgery and treatment between 2010 and 2016; the researchers used an average of 7 years of follow-up data for the breast cancer survivors. The most common cancer treatment for the group was radiation, which 71.7% of the group received. More than half of the women received chemotherapy drugs, and nearly half received hormone treatments. Radiotherapy linked to lower short-term Alzheimer's riskDuring the follow-up period, 1,229 women in the breast cancer group received an Alzheimer's diagnosis. When compared to the control group, women who had undergone breast cancer treatment showed an 8% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's. This risk reduction was most pronounced among women who underwent radiation therapy, which made the researchers believe that radiation may have been responsible for the lowered risk of Alzheimer' the scientists observed that this protective effect went away with time. 'Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the risk of [Alzheimer's dementia] could be lowered shortly after cancer treatment but may equalize as the survival period increases,' the authors radiation therapy showed a potential protective benefit, the study found no significant impact on Alzheimer's risk from other authors emphasize the need for further research, noting that the maximum follow-up period in this study was just 11 years, which was potentially too short to fully understand the long-term relationship between breast cancer treatments and Alzheimer's might radiotherapy protect cognitive health?Jon Stewart Hao Dy, MD, a board-certified neurologist affiliated with the Philippines Neurological Association, told Medical News Today that he did not find the study findings surprising. Dy, who was not involved in the current study, told us that:'When a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoes the necessary evidence-based treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, they are likely to receive adequate and prompt treatment to control their other comorbidities and to prevent the long-term risk of chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction.'He also touched on why radiation therapy may have provided short-term benefit against developing Alzheimer's. 'The biological mechanisms behind this lower short-term risk are the potential of radiotherapy to reduce astrogliosis and microgliosis and have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects,' explained said that people who are looking to reduce their long-term risk of developing Alzheimer's should focus on controlling vascular risk factors such as blood pressure and Bashir, MD, a board-certified neurologist at AICA Orthopedics, likewise not involved in the study, told MNT that the findings indicating that radiation potentially provided short-term benefit were 'fascinating.''While the results are preliminary and warrant cautious interpretation, they open the door to meaningful hypotheses about underlying mechanisms,' said suggested that radiation therapy might influence the immune system or interfere with the formation of amyloid plaques, both of which are associated with Alzheimer's pathology.'Additionally, estrogen plays a complex role in both cancer biology and neurodegeneration,' shared Bashir. 'Lowering estrogen levels through hormone therapy may, paradoxically, reduce Alzheimer's risk in some patients.'Bashir emphasized that more long-term research is needed in this area. 'This study is encouraging in that it challenges assumptions and suggests that certain cancer-related treatments may influence dementia risk in unexpected ways,' said Bashir. 'More longitudinal research will be critical in clarifying these associations.'
