Radiation Therapy for GTD

Radiation therapy is also called radiotherapy. It is very effective in treating GTD except in some unusual cases where GTD has spread to the brain. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill cancer cells. It does this by directing x-rays at the site of the tumor. The high-energy rays damage cancer cells and stop them from growing and dividing. If you have radiation therapy, you will see a radiation oncologist. This doctor will prescribe your treatment plan. The plan will detail what kind of radiation therapy you will have and how long it will last.

The type of radiation therapy used to treat GTD is external beam radiation therapy. For this therapy, you will be treated in an outpatient department of a hospital or clinic. Treatment generally is given five days a week for four to six weeks.

Below are some radiotherapy questions you can be discuss with your doctor. It’s important to gather as much information as you can.

Radiation Therapy Questions

  • What is the goal of this treatment?
  • How will the radiation be given?
  • How many treatments will I get? Over what period of time?
  • When will the treatment begin? When will it end?
  • How will I feel during radiation therapy?
  • What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?

For more information about radiation therapy, click here.