| Patients & visitors | |||||||
|
Radiation Therapy treatments
Certain treatments usually cancers of the brain or the head and neck region require the use of an immobilisation mask, these:
Using the information obtained during simulation, a “target volume” is determined by the radiation oncologist on a computer planning system. We calculate the best method of giving a dose of radiation to the target volume, whilst at the same time avoiding as much normal tissue as possible.  See the simulators in action Between your CT scan or simulation and your first treatment appointment a customised radiation treatment plan is created. Following the initial planning appointment your treatment may begin within one or two days, however the process can take up to two weeks if complex planning is required. Computer calculations, data input, construction of accessories, and planning checks must be completed before treatment can begin. Treatment is started as soon as possible following the completion of this process. You will be notified by phone and/or mail of your appointment start date and time. Radiation Therapy Treatment – Level 01 Lomas BuildingTreatment hours: 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to FridayOccasionally your treatment maybe scheduled outside of these hours. A card with all your treatment times will be given on the first day of your treatment. Radiation Therapy treatment is generally delivered by a radiation therapist using a machine called a linear accelerator and is usually given once a day, five times per week. The time the radiation is on is approximately 30 seconds for each position the machine is in. However, you will spend around 10-30 minutes in the treatment room depending on the complexity of the treatment. You will be required to lie in the same position as during the simulation process, and we ask that you try to keep as still as possible during the procedure. Your daily treatment requires specific positioning, so it is best if you relax, breathe normally, and allow the therapists to move you as necessary (try not to help them). Once the therapists have positioned you correctly using your tattoos and the machine lights, you will be required to keep still until the treatment is completed. The therapists must leave the room during the treatment; however, they monitor you on a camera from outside the room. There is also an intercom system, so if you needed assistance, call out or raise your hand.  See a linear accelerator in action The direction of the beam is set by moving the machine and the couch, on which you will be lying on, to the correct position. An electronic image may be captured from the x-ray beam for verification of the treatment area. On occasion, adjustments to the bed position will be made before continuing with the treatment, this is completely normal. You do not see or feel anything while the radiation is being delivered but you will hear some buzzing noises from the machine.
Brachytherapy Brachytherapy uses sealed radioactive sources, which places the radiation source near or in the tumour for a calculated period of time. This form of Radiation Therapy is most commonly used to treat some forms of skin cancer, prostate cancer and gynaecological malignancies. At the completion of each treatment, the radiation source is removed. This means that you will not be radioactive, and there is no need to alienate yourself from others. The number of treatments you require varies, depending on your diagnosis and treatment site. You will be advised ahead of time on how many treatments you will have. Prostate BrachytherapyHigh Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy of the prostate involves placing plastic catheters into the prostate gland, and then giving a series of radiation treatments through these catheters. A computer-controlled machine pushes a single highly radioactive seed into the catheters one by one. The catheters are then pulled out, and no radioactive material is left in the prostate gland.Skin BrachytherapySome skin lesions that need a high localised skin dose are treated with brachytherapy. A mould is taken of the treatment area and a plastic sheet which fits snugly over the treatment area is made. Several visits to the department may be required for this process. Small catheters are then fastened over this and a single highly radioactive seed is pushed into the catheters one by one using a computer controlled machine.Gynaecological BrachytherapyGynaecological brachytherapy uses a radioactive source which is placed in or close to a specific site such as the vagina or cervix. The area irradiated is much smaller than that of external beam radiation and this prevents unnecessary exposure to the surrounding tissues. This type of treatment utilises applicators that may require a general anaesthetic while being inserted and removed.Radioactive IodineRadioactive Iodine is given on an outpatient basis for patients with hyperthyroidism. Patients with thyroid cancer may receive radioactive iodine treatment which requires hospitalization for a week.Radioactive iodine treatment will make you radioactive for a short period of time. You will be well educated before your treatment. Oncology Clinical TrialsOncology clinical trials at Waikato Hospital include Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Haematology. Clinical trials are run by a team of registered nurses, a data manager and clerical support. Each trial has a principle investigator who is a cancer specialist in their field and is responsible for the trial.Advancing cancer treatment by taking part in national and international trials is an important aspect of the Oncology department. All clinical trials are controlled and have met ethics and regulatory approval; in addition all patients are monitored closely by the health care team in the oncology department. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial for your cancer please talk to your cancer specialist who will discuss the options available. Not all patients are eligible to go on a trial; it depends on your type of cancer, what trials are open and any other medical conditions you may have. If your doctor thinks you might be eligible to go into a trial for your cancer you will be encouraged to talk to your family or whanau before you make a decision, however, patients must live within the Waikato District Health Board region to participate. Patients who participate in clinical trials may not get any extra benefit when compared to the standard treatment but their involvement may help other patients in the future. Why do we conduct clinical Trials?
|
