What is the full form of EBRT

It is a painless procedure, just like X-ray and CT scan; there is no sensation of being treated during this therapy. When it is used to treat cancer, it is known as curative radiotherapy. When it is used to control the symptoms of cancer, it is called palliative radiotherapy.

EBRT is a non-invasive procedure in which a targeted radiation beam is delivered from outside the body to a tumor. The radiation beam is shaped before it reaches the affected area so that it can be carefully directed at the tumor without affecting the surrounding tissues.

How does it work?

It delivers a high-energy radiation beam to tumors using an X-ray machine (a linear accelerator). This beam can be delivered from multiple angles and can also be shaped to the contour of the tumor. It damages the DNA of the cancer cells. It damages the DNA directly or creates free radicals to damage DNA. Once DNA is damaged, the cancer cells stop growing or start to die. The body breaks down the dead cancer cells to get rid of waste substances.

Types of External Beam Radiation Therapy

There are different types of external beam radiotherapies, depending on the type of cancer and where it is in your body. Some common types are as follows:

• Conformal radiation therapy: In this technique, the radiation beam is shaped to match the size or shape of the tumor. It helps to locate and treat a tumor more precisely, as a result of which the healthy cells around the tumor can be protected from the damaging effects of the radiation.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): In this technique, the strength of the beam can be changed in certain areas as per the requirement of the treatment. The edges of the tumor are sculpted, and the radiation beam is shaped to match the exact shape of the tumor. It is very precise, so higher doses can be given without damaging the surrounding tissues.
• Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT): In this technique, the images of the tumor are taken before starting the treatment. It provides information about the size, shape, and location of the tumor. Thus, the radiation oncologist can adjust the position of the patient and focus the radiation as needed.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): It is performed to treat small tumors with clear edges, particularly for cancers in the brain and spine. In this treatment, a single high dose of radiation is used to treat the tumor.
• Proton therapy: It is an advanced form of external beam radiation therapy as it uses a proton beam instead of electrons or x-rays. It can deliver more radiation to the tumor without damaging the surrounding tissues.
• Intraoperative radiotherapy: In this technique, the radiation beam is directly delivered to the tumor during surgery. It allows the doctor delivers a single large dose of radiation to the tumor and limit effects on the surrounding tissues.

What distinguishes Internal Radiation Therapy from External Beam Radiation Therapy?

External beam radiation treatment and internal radiation therapy are the two primary forms of radiation therapy. Radiation is used in both forms to destroy cancer cells.

They are provided in a variety of ways. EBRT delivers radiation to a tumour using a piece of equipment that never makes contact with your body. In internal radiation treatment, a radioactive device is inserted into or close to a tumor.

What kind of energies are used in External Beam Radiation Therapy?

Energy beams with supercharged particles make up radiation. These atoms are powerful enough to destroy cancer cells. Depending on the radiation therapy you get, the particles have the strength to pierce deep into tissue and harm both healthy and cancerous cells.

One of the primary goals of EBRT is to eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy cell damage.

Some of these supercharged particles are:

• Photons (gamma and X-rays): Energy's fundamental building units are photons. Your tissue can be deeply penetrated by photons, eliminating cancer cells there. The majority of EBRT designs utilize photons.
• Protons are positively charged subatomic particles. They are utilized in proton treatment, a more recent kind of EBRT. Radiation is delivered in a burst by protons that enters tumour cells but misses healthy cells. Maybe, this kind of therapy could offer healthier tissue protection. Proton treatment is still not generally accessible. The advantages of EBRT utilizing protons over EBRT using photons are still being investigated by scientists, as are the biological implications of how protons interact with cells.
• The particle known as an electron has a negative charge. Electron beams are typically employed for skin cancer or tumors that are close to the skin's surface since they can penetrate tissue more deeply than photons or protons can.
• A linear accelerator (LINAC) device is typically used in external beam radiation treatment to accelerate the particles before delivering them to the cancer cells. In proton therapy, a device called a particle accelerator is used.

What is the Purpose of External Beam Radiation Therapy?

EBRT reduces tumors and destroys cancerous cells. It might be applied to:

• Eliminate cancer cells or stop their spread. For many malignancies, EBRT is the main course of therapy.
• Support further cancer therapies. Together with other therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, you could undergo EBRT. Before surgery, EBRT is frequently used to reduce tumor size (neo-adjuvant therapy). To prevent cancer from returning following surgery, it is also utilized to eradicate any cancer cells that may still be present (adjuvant therapy).
• Alleviate symptoms EBRT frequently forms a part of cancer palliative care. Palliative care aids in the management of pain and other symptoms in persons with chronic or long-term diseases. Radiation can kill tumors that are causing symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.