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Radiotherapy Step by Stepุงู„ุนุฑุจูŠุฉ

Under physician review

Patient handout: Lung Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy Step by Step โ€” Designed for radiation oncologists to use in clinic

A precise treatment that accounts for breathing motion, planned to protect the heart and healthy lung.

Why radiotherapy is used

  • Radiotherapy is used for lung cancer with curative intent or to control the disease and its symptoms.
  • It may be given alone, with chemotherapy, or after surgery depending on the case.
  • For small early tumors, precise stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) in a few sessions may be used as an alternative to surgery for those unsuited to anesthesia.

The area being treated

  • The tumor in the lung with a safety margin that accounts for its movement with breathing.
  • The lymph nodes in the middle of the chest may be treated if involved.
  • Planning focuses on protecting the healthy lung, heart, esophagus, and spinal cord.

How to prepare

  • If you smoke, ask for support to quit before treatment โ€” it is one of the most important things you can do.
  • Eat small meals that are easy to swallow if the esophagus is affected, and stay hydrated.
  • Monitor yourself and report any increase in breathlessness or cough.
  • Continue any inhalers or breathing medications your doctor prescribed.

Early (acute) side effects

  • Tiredness and building fatigue.
  • Difficulty or pain swallowing if the esophagus is in the treatment area.
  • Cough or mild breathlessness, sometimes more phlegm.
  • Mild redness of the chest skin.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Would short stereotactic treatment (SBRT) or an extended course suit me?
  • Will I need chemotherapy with the radiation?
  • What is the expected long-term effect on my breathing?
  • Will we use a breathing-control technique?
  • How can your team help me quit smoking?

When to contact us immediately

  • Increasing or sudden breathlessness
  • Coughing up blood or bleeding
  • Fever with cough and breathlessness (may indicate pneumonitis or infection)
  • Severe chest pain
  • Being unable to swallow or drink fluids

If any of these appear, contact your treatment team immediately or go to the emergency department.