Radiotherapy is an advanced treatment method that aims to destroy cancerous cells or halt their growth through the use of high-energy radiation. This process is not limited to the delivery of rays it is a structured, technical course of care composed of several stages. Before treatment begins, detailed and personalised planning is carried out for each patient. During this phase, imaging techniques such as CT scanning, MRI, and PET scanning are used to determine the location and size of the tumour and its relationship with the surrounding tissues with millimetre precision. The aim is to target the cancerous cells as effectively as possible whilst preserving healthy tissues to the greatest extent.
Contact Us
After this planning stage, a specific treatment protocol is established and sessions can begin. Radiotherapy is generally delivered using machines known as linear accelerators. These devices produce high-energy X-rays or electron beams directed straight at the tumour area. Throughout the treatment, the patient is monitored regularly and the plan can be adjusted if necessary. Radiotherapy is therefore not a fixed process but a dynamic approach that adapts to the patient's response. Each stage involves close collaboration between different specialists, notably oncologists, medical physicists, and radiotherapy technicians.
What Does the Patient Experience During a Radiotherapy Session?
For many patients, a radiotherapy session may seem daunting at first, but it is in reality a highly supervised and generally comfortable process. Before the session, the patient is positioned on the treatment table in the position determined during the planning phase. It is essential that this position is reproduced at every session, as the rays must be delivered with great precision. For this reason, immobilisation devices such as masks or specific supports may be used for certain patients.
Once the session has begun, the machine may rotate around the patient and deliver the radiation from different angles. During this time, the patient feels nothing the rays can neither be seen nor felt. The duration of a session generally ranges between 5 and 15 minutes, although the total time may be slightly longer when preparation is included. After the session, the patient can resume their daily activities without the need for hospitalisation. Most treatments are carried out on an outpatient basis. However, over time, some patients may experience fatigue or a sensation of weakness effects that vary from one individual to another.
How Many Radiotherapy Sessions Are Needed?
The number of radiotherapy sessions depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, the size of the tumour, and the aim of the treatment. In some patients, a few sessions may be sufficient, whilst in other cases, the treatment may extend to 20 or 30 sessions. As a general rule, radiotherapy is administered five days per week, with a break at the weekend. This rhythm allows healthy cells to regenerate whilst increasing the effectiveness against the cancerous cells.
For example, in certain early-stage cancers, shorter protocols with higher doses may be considered, whilst in more advanced situations, longer treatments with fractionated doses are preferred. There are also forms of palliative radiotherapy administered in a single session, primarily to relieve pain or to improve quality of life. Throughout the treatment, the doctor regularly assesses the patient's response and may adjust the number of sessions or the doses if necessary. The duration of the treatment is therefore always personalised and adapted to each individual situation.
Is Radiotherapy Painful?
Radiotherapy is generally not painful during its administration. Unlike surgery, there is no incision and no invasive procedure. The radiation is delivered externally and painlessly. During the session, the only requirement for the patient is to remain still, which may occasionally cause slight discomfort, but no physical pain is experienced.
However, over the course of the sessions, certain side effects may appear depending on the area being treated. For example, skin irritation, redness, dryness, or a mild burning sensation may develop on the exposed skin. If the radiotherapy involves sensitive areas such as the mouth, throat, or digestive system, difficulty swallowing or localised pain may occur. These effects do not arise during the session itself but result from the cumulative impact of the treatments. They are generally temporary and can be alleviated through appropriate care. Following the medical recommendations helps to make this period more comfortable.