New Booklet Helps Patients Better Understand Radiation Therapy

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 03 Jun 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has recently updated its award-winning patient booklet, Radiation Therapy for Cancer that provides information for people living with cancer and their loved ones who are exploring radiation therapy as a treatment option.

The 24-page booklet provides information for patients on the various types of radiation therapy techniques, such as brachytherapy and external beam treatments. It also helps patients understand the various types of external beam treatments, including three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (or stereotactic radiosurgery), proton therapy and neutron beam therapy. Information on clinical trials and side effects are also included as well as a list of questions patients may want to ask their doctors as they consider their treatment options.

"Trying to make sense of the various cancer treatments can be a real challenge when coping with a diagnosis of cancer. Our hope is that this booklet will help patients and their families better understand how the treatments work so they can make the best decisions about their treatments," said Gregory Patton, M.D., chair of ASTRO's Communications Committee and a radiation oncologist at Northwest Cancer Specialists, P.C., in Portland, Ore.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. For more information on radiation therapy, visit http://www.rtanswers.org. To learn more about ASTRO, visit http://www.astro.org.

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ASTRO

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