Fact 6: Role of Radiation Therapy in HL Treatment
Radiation therapy has played a historic role in the treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma. Utilizing high-energy radiation, this treatment method aims to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Given its effectiveness, radiation therapy significantly contributes to the survival rates of HL patients.
Traditionally, radiation therapy was used extensively in treating HL. However, with the advent of effective chemotherapy regimens, its use has become more selective, usually as a part of combined modality therapy (CMT) with chemotherapy, especially in early-stage disease.
Radiation therapy is precise and aims to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision, coupled with its ability to eradicate cancer cells, makes it a powerful tool in treating HL. It’s particularly effective when HL is localized in specific areas, thus improving the chances of successful treatment and enhancing survival rates.
Like all treatments, radiation therapy can come with its side effects, including fatigue, skin changes, and nausea. However, advancements in treatment delivery techniques have helped mitigate these effects, providing patients with improved quality of life during treatment.
Radiation therapy, while used more selectively today, remains a valuable tool in the treatment arsenal against HL. Its role in enhancing survival rates, particularly in early-stage disease, is significant, underlining its importance in comprehensive cancer care. (6)
