Radiation protection in radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is one of the main types of cancer treatment. It uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells and limit cell growth. It is applied by a team of qualified experts with the appropriate education and many years of experience in radiation oncology, medical physics and radiation therapy technology.
Radiotherapy can be delivered externally or internally. In external beam radiotherapy, radiation beams originating externally to the patient are directed towards the treatment site. These beams are usually created through the use of a linear accelerator or a cobalt unit. In brachytherapy, small and encapsulated radioactive sources are placed directly into or near the volume to be treated. Endovascular brachytherapy, finally, is used for prevention of restenosis in arteries following coronary arterial angioplasty.