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Radiation Therapy Complications

As in all therapies - not all outcomes are equally favorable. Some of those who receive radiotherapy, the tissue response is accentuated and damage to normal tissue occurs. The unpleasant effects usually settle post irradiation. In a small (~5%) of cases, however, the problems linger. Here is where hyperbaric oxygen therapy shines!

Radiation Therapy Complications

As in all therapies - not all outcomes are equally favorable. In a small percentage of those who receive radiotherapy, the tissue response is accentuated and damage to normal tissue occurs. The unpleasant effects usually settle post irradiation, however not in all cases.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is one of the main methods of treating cancer. It uses machines called linear accelerators to deliver precise and focused high energy x-rays to damage or kill cancer cells. It is a powerful and well proven tool used in the battle against cancer. It has revolutionized the management of many tumors and improved the outcome of persons suffering malignancy over the past few decades and saved countless from hardship and mortality.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is one of the main methods of treating cancer. It uses machines called linear accelerators to deliver precise and focused high energy x-rays to damage or kill cancer cells. It is a powerful and well proven tool used in the battle against cancer. It has revolutionized the management of many tumors and improved the outcome of persons suffering malignancy over the past few decades and saved countless from hardship and mortality.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS FROM RADIATION THERAPY?

Problems can manifest in many ways, however, the common underlying feature is a loss of the normal ability to perform “housekeeping chores” of tissue repair and maintenance. This causes pain, discomfort and effects the abilities of patients. 

The unwanted biological effects of radiation exposure (Complications) can be divided into 2 groups:

  1. If sustained following treatment the problem is called persistent radiation effects. 
  2. If the initial inflammation settles and then after 3 months or more, tissue deterioration and loss of function develops, this has been termed radiation late effects.

What Options are Available for Radiation Therapy Complications?

In 2000 the Adult Radiotherapy Late Effects Clinic was initiated under the co-founder leadership of Dr. Wilfred Levin and Dr. Wayne Evans at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto to try and expand the range of options available to those suffering from complications of radiation therapy.

That clinic has helped hundreds of patients to date. A range of therapeutic options has been explored to meet the needs of this population. 

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"Most importantly-- at the end I had drastically cut back on my pain meds, was able to get into the “sub” without assistance, and walk a distance without walker or cane. It was certainly worth while- thank you!" Anna Lopinski
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