Radiotherapy basics for family physicians. Potent tool for symptom relief.
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of radiotherapy in cancer care, especially the role of radiation in palliative care.


METHODS
MEDLINE was searched from January 1966 to January 2004. Relevant articles evaluating indications for radiotherapy were reviewed. This paper describes use of radiotherapy based on well established current radiotherapy practices and level I and II evidence.


RESULTS
A substantial number of patients seeing family physicians develop cancer or die of it. Despite its effectiveness, radiotherapy remains underused in management of cancer patients. Broad uses of radiotherapy in cancer care include curative treatment, palliative symptom control, and management of oncologic emergencies. Radiotherapy can be especially effective for treating common complications of cancer, including painful bone and soft tissue metastases, hemoptysis, dyspnea, dysphagia, brain metastases, and spinal cord compression.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy is a vital aspect of both curative and palliative cancer treatment. Understanding the basics of radiotherapy can assist family physicians in providing complete care for their cancer patients.
Samant
Rajiv
R
Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre, ON. rsamant@ottawahospital.on.ca
Gooi
Adrian Chuen Chiang
AC
D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant