Bile duct cancer treatment with radiotherapy

Radiation therapy for bile duct cancer uses high-energy particles and waves, such as X-rays or gamma rays. Radiation acts on the DNA of cancer cells, creating small breaks which stop their growth and kill them. Radiation can also affect neighboring cells, but most recover and return to normal function. Before radiotherapy, a thorough diagnosis is carried out to exclude contraindications. Then, irradiation is carried out with preliminary preparation of a dosimetric plan, 3D modeling of the tumor, location, and connection to other structures. That allows accurate directing of the radiation beam to treat only the affected partitions without touching healthy ones. Radiation therapy is practically the same as X–rays, only the radiation is more powerful. The procedure is painless and performed on an outpatient basis. The doctor determines the number of sessions and their duration beforehand. Radiation therapy is often performed five days a week for several weeks. The session lasts only a few minutes, although setting up the device and bringing the patient to the correct treatment position usually takes longer. During the treatment, the patient lies down on the table. Then, the radiologist, who is in the next room, turns on the device. After the end of the session and a short rest, the patient can leave the clinic.