Kidney cancer treatment with radiotherapy

Radiation therapy for kidney cancer is ionized beams to destroy a malignant tumor. Radioactive particles can damage the DNA of cancer cells and stop their development, growth, and division. As a result of radiotherapy, the tumor decreases in size, sometimes up to complete disappearance. Radiotherapy is often used before or after surgery to destroy the remaining cancer cells. In addition, sometimes doctors use radiotherapy to reduce pain when metastases have penetrated the bones. In kidney cancer, irradiation takes place remotely. Then, with the help of unique medical markers, time stamps are applied to the patient's skin. Radioactive particles are sent to the parts of the body affected by the tumor. During irradiation, the surrounding tissues are also affected. But they can recover after treatment or between irradiation sessions. Irradiation is carried out five days a week. Each session takes about 10 minutes. During the procedure, the patient is fixed so he does not move. Therefore, the central part of the radiation falls on the tumor area. The doctor conducting the session helps the patient to take a comfortable position and then watches him from the next room. The course of treatment lasts 4-7 weeks. Then the patient needs a break to recover.