Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Here's a simple explanation of how radiation therapy works for blood cancer:

Targeting Cancer Cells: Radiation therapy targets cancer cells in specific areas of the body where the cancer is located. It works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading.

Delivery of Radiation: Radiation therapy is delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator, which directs beams of radiation to the affected area. The radiation is carefully aimed to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues while effectively targeting cancer cells.

Types of Radiation Therapy:

• External Beam Radiation: This is the most common type of radiation therapy for blood cancer. It involves directing radiation beams from outside the body towards the tumor or affected lymph nodes.
• Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): In some cases, radiation sources are placed inside the body close to the cancer cells. This allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor while sparing nearby healthy tissues.

Treatment Planning: Before starting radiation therapy, doctors use imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans to precisely locate the tumor and determine the best treatment plan. Radiation therapy is often given in multiple sessions over several weeks to ensure that the total dose of radiation is delivered gradually and safely.

Effectiveness: Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery. It may be used to shrink tumors before surgery, to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to relieve symptoms such as pain or swelling caused by the cancer.

Side Effects: Side effects of radiation therapy for blood cancer may include fatigue, skin irritation or redness at the treatment site, nausea, and changes in blood cell counts. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with supportive care.

Overall, radiation therapy is an important treatment option for blood cancer that can help control the disease and improve quality of life for patients.