Medical Radiology - Lazar A.P. 2008

Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy for Non-Tumor Diseases

Radiotherapy is relatively rarely used to treat non-tumor conditions because, first, radiologists have accumulated extensive data on adverse somatic and genetic consequences in patients, particularly those irradiated in childhood, and second, a wide range of non-radiation treatments (such as Antibiotics and hormone therapy) is available.

Radiotherapy is primarily used to treat non-tumor conditions such as inflammatory processes, degenerative-dystrophic disorders, and certain neurological diseases. Total body irradiation is incorporated into Bone Marrow transplantation protocols. Radiation therapy can be highly beneficial in treating boils, carbuncles, hidradenitis, panaritiums, chronic thrombophlebitis, neuritis, neuralgia, arachnoiditis, post-amputation pain syndrome, painful osteoarthritis, Arthritis, calcaneal bursitis, select acute viral infections, and various other conditions. In such cases, radiotherapy is prescribed strictly on an individual basis when non-radiation modalities prove ineffective. Radiation therapy for non-tumor conditions is contraindicated in children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

Single and cumulative tumor doses in the radiotherapy of non-tumor conditions must be an order of magnitude lower (0,1-0,5 Гр) compared to the Treatment of malignant tumors. The intervals between sessions range from 1 to 3 days. In most cases, radiation therapy is supplemented with medication or general restorative treatments. The primary method of radiation therapy for non-tumor conditions is direct local irradiation of the pathological focus, performed either via teletherapy or using beta applicators. Gamma therapy units are used to target deep-seated structures, while electron beams from linear accelerators or close-focus X-ray therapy units are used for superficial lesions. Prior to teletherapy, the precise Location and dimensions of the lesion, as well as its spatial relationship with surrounding Organs and Tissues, are determined. The treatment field is outlined along the borders of the lesion, or extended by 0,5-1,0 см in cases of inflammatory infiltrates. Healthy tissues are protected using specialized shielding blocks or leaded rubber.

The Selection of patients with non-tumor conditions for radiotherapy is performed by the attending physician at a clinic or hospital. The radiation therapy itself is planned and administered by a radiation oncologist/radiologist.