Radiation Exposure on the Rise
CAT Scans and Radiotherapy Lead to Cumulative Radiation Effects
Apr 22, 2009
Radiation exposure can result in DNA damage. The damage produces mutated cells which can affect different systems; most importantly radiation can induce cancer. Advances in imaging technology have led to patients being exposed to more radiation, especially when patients receive multiple CT scans. The effect is cumulative. Patients are also exposed to unnecessary doses of radiation when undergoing radiation for cancer therapy.
Cancer Can Result From Repeated Radiation Exposure
As patients are exposed to radiation via CT scan, the cumulative effect can increase the risk of developing cancer, this according to study performed on a group of 31,462 patients who had undergone CT scans over a 22-year period (Aaron Sodickson, Pieter F. Baeyens, Katherine P. Andriole, Luciano M. Prevedello, Richard D. Nawfel, Richard Hanson, and Ramin Khorasani, “Recurrent CT, Cumulative Radiation Exposure, and Associated Radiation-induced Cancer Risks from CT of Adults”, Radiology 2009;251:175-184 Abstract.) Thirty-three percent of the patients had more than 5 scans on the lower end while 1% had in excess of 38 scans. Those with more CT scans had their cancer risk increase to a maximum of 12% (mean 0.3%).
Radiation Dosimeters Serve to Effectively Target Radiation During Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells. When treating the tumors physicians attempt to localize the cancer radiation to the tumor. However, due to the internal location of the tumor and the tendency of organs to shift when the patient changes position, the radiation sometimes misses its mark. The result is damaged tissue surrounding the cancer cells. The Dose Verification System (DVS) is an implanted radiation dosimeter that can determine the amount of radiation a tumor is exposed to. The device is implanted near the tumor and through wireless technology the DVS verifies the amount of radiation the patient has received. This helps radiologist focus the radiation for the cancer treatment.
Lower Radiation CT Angiographs Compared to Normal CT Radiation
With reports of the effect of cumulative exposure of radiation being found to be detrimental, researchers are working to find ways to reduce exposure levels during CT coronary angiography. In a published study, researchers were able to determine that a lower voltage which reduced the radiation was still able to produce images of similar quality as those produced by high voltage CT angiography (Pflederer et al., “Image Quality in a Low Radiation Exposure Protocol for Retrospectively ECG-Gated Coronary CT Angiography.”, American Journal of Roentgenology, 2009; 192 (4).)
CT scans are important part of imaging technology that helps diagnose disease, just as radiation therapy is a successful cancer treating strategy. However, with research showing that radiation exposure is on the rise, it is important to find ways to lower exposure besides improving radiation safety. This is especially necessary for children, as children are more susceptible to radiation exposure. One of the ways patients can reduce exposure to radiation is by looking for facilities that use lower radiation levels in their CT Scans.
