The physicist also works closely with the doctor in planning your treatment. Dosimetrists - specialists who work with the doctor and physicist to create the treatment plan and calculate the radiation dose delivered to the tumor and the surrounding normal tissues. Radiation Therapists - professionals who position you and operate the machines to deliver the radiation treatment on the linear accelerator. Radiation Oncology Nurses - caregivers who will help coordinate your care, manage side effects, and help you and your family to learn about your treatment. The team may also include a social worker , dietician , and other support Staff.
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can kill cancer cells.
As stated before, normal cells will grow and divide to replace worn out cells or dying cells or to repair an injury. When cancer arises, its cells grow out of control and form tumors. Chemotherapy drugs destroy those cancer cells by stopping their out of control growth. Healthy cells can also be affected, which can cause some side effects, but these cells usually repair themselves after treatment. Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer care.