Lung

Radiotherapy is a key component in the treatment of lung cancer. It involves the use of high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and can be delivered with curative or palliative intent, depending on the stage and type of the disease.

Lung Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy works by delivering radiation beams directly to the tumour in the lungs, it can be used alone or alongside chemotherapy and surgery. The goal is to treat the cancer while protecting as much healthy lung tissue as possible.

Here’s what a patient can expect during the process:

Meeting your Doctor

Before treatment starts, you’ll have a chat with your doctor. They will explain the treatment, possible side effects, and ask you to sign a consent form. This meeting can be in person or over the phone.

Mould room appointment (if required)

If you need a mask for your treatment, your first appointment might be with the mould room team. They will make a special mask to keep your head and shoulders still during radiotherapy. This helps make sure the treatment is accurate. If you have any worries about the mask, please talk to your doctor.

Planning scan

Before treatment begins, you’ll have a planning scan. This usually takes place a few weeks before the treatment starts. During this session you will be laid down in the treatment position, this could be with a mask or by placing you with your arms up above your head.

Small tattoos may be placed on the skin around the area that will receive radiation. These markings help ensure that radiation is delivered to the same spot each time.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy for lung cancer is usually given 5 days a week (Monday to Friday). The number of treatments will depend on the doctor’s recommendation. The therapeutic radiographers will accurately position you on the treatment couch. This will be the same position which you laid down in for your planning CT scan.

The linear accelerator will rotate around you and deliver treatment from different angles. You won’t feel the radiation, but you might hear some noises as the machine operates. Each session takes around 15 to 20 minutes. However, the actual radiation only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to stay still during the treatment, but you won’t feel pain or discomfort during the process.

SABR is a very precise type of radiotherapy that uses high doses of radiation to destroy or shrink tumours. It targets the tumour from many angles to focus the radiation exactly where it’s needed.

SABR is often used for small tumours in places where surgery is hard or risky, like the lungs. It uses advanced technology to aim strong radiation beams at the tumour while protecting healthy tissue nearby.

Because SABR uses a high dose, it usually needs fewer treatment sessions than regular radiotherapy — often just 3 to 8 sessions over one or two weeks, on alternate days. The exact number depends on your tumour and health.

For more detailed information about Lung SABR treatment, please view the Lung SABR leaflet

Side Effects

Even though radiation targets the tumour, it can also affect healthy tissue nearby. Side effects usually start after a few treatments and can be different depending on the area being treated.

Common side effects of lung radiotherapy include:

  • Tiredness (Fatigue): Tiredness is one of the most common side effects, and it tends to build up over time during treatment.
  • Skin Changes: The skin in the treated area may become red, dry, or irritated, like sunburn. You might also experience itching or peeling. See the link below advising you on how to look after your skin during and after radiotherapy treatment.
Skin care during and after your radiotherapy treatment leaflet
  • Coughing or Shortness of Breath: Radiotherapy can irritate the lungs and may cause a dry cough or make breathing feel a little more difficult. This can improve after treatment ends.
  • Oesophagus Irritation (Sore Throat or Difficulty Swallowing): If the radiation affects the oesophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach), you might experience soreness or difficulty swallowing.
  • Pneumonitis: In some cases, the radiation can cause inflammation in the lungs, which may result in symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. This is usually temporary, but your doctor will monitor you closely for any signs.
Important:

Please Note

Most side effects improve 10-14 days after treatment ends. Your healthcare team will be there to manage any side effects and provide support during and after your treatment.

Please inform your radiotherapist if you are experiencing any side effects.

Useful Resources:

Radiotherapy to the lung leaflet

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