radiation vs chemo............. - Cancer: Lung Message Board

angelmama39 · 11-07-2006, 07:17 PM

question? I know I posted below about the tomo radiation, however, in general, is radiation a good way to illiminate the cancer? If not, is it because it doesn't use a high enough dose to really captivate it?, or possibly because it can hurt surrounding tissue? This tomo radiation uses much higher doses in a smaller area. They said that the radiation that is involved would never be able to compare with standard radiation......but, I am surprised that it isn't used more often. Does lung cancer ALWAYS respond to radiation, or does it depend? If they can target it with this tomomachine, wouldn't it be a "given"?

Angel

Kimslos · 11-07-2006, 10:40 PM

In my husband's case since he has SCLC he has to have what they call Whole Brain Radiation since he has 50 mets(very small in size) in his brain at this point. They cannot target one area with SCLC since it spreads everywhere. He also has the cancer throughout his body and they did mention they could do radiation on his back to help relieve the pain, but it would not help the cancer. He was never a candiate for any type of radiation for his lungs or liver since it is SCLC. We looked into the ablation(sp) for the liver, but since they said his cancer was so extensive it was pointless and don't do it unless it is just isolated in the liver or maybe even another location.
I pray your mom can try the treatment and get some great results!
Kim