All About Radiation Oncology - 09/17/24 - Lung Cancer Living Room™

In this episode of the GO2 Lung Cancer Living Room, the focus is on Radiation Oncology and how it has evolved to become a highly effective and precise treatment option for lung cancer. Host Danielle Hicks, GO2's Chief Patient Officer, introduces Dr. Daniel Schiffner, a radiation oncologist, who shares valuable insights on advancements in radiation therapy, the role it plays in treating lung cancer, and how it has significantly improved outcomes for patients.
Key Highlights:
Demystifying Radiation Therapy: Dr. Schiffner addresses common fears associated with radiation therapy, emphasizing that today’s treatments are far more advanced and targeted than in the past. Radiation is now focused solely on tumors, sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Role of Radiation Oncologists: He explains the function of a radiation oncologist in a multi-disciplinary team, working with surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, nurses, and other specialists to provide a holistic approach to cancer care.
Types of Radiation Therapy: Dr. Schiffner highlights several modern techniques, including:
External Beam Radiation Therapy like Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), which ensures precision in targeting tumors.
Patient Experience and Treatment Mapping: The process of mapping for radiation therapy is explained, including consultations, CT scans, and the use of custom devices to ensure precision. Dr. Schiffner emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment to each patient’s specific cancer stage and location.
Radiation for Different Stages: Radiation can be used in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, particularly in stage 3 and oligo-metastatic disease. For stage 4 patients, radiation can be useful in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Palliative Use of Radiation: Dr. Schiffner discusses how radiation is also used for palliative care to relieve pain, bleeding, or other symptoms caused by tumors.
Future of Radiation Therapy: Dr. Schiffner expresses optimism about the future of cancer treatment, particularly the role of radiation in combination with systemic therapies to offer even better outcomes.
To wrap up, Dr. Schiffner emphasizes the safety and precision of modern radiation therapy, encouraging patients to engage with their healthcare teams to better understand their treatment options.
Conclusion: This episode provides a deep dive into the evolving world of radiation therapy for lung cancer, offering reassurance and clarity to patients and caregivers about its effectiveness and safety in modern cancer care.