Therapeutic radiographers

Theraputic radiographers play a vital role in the treatment of cancer. They are also responsible as the only health professionals qualified to plan and deliver radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy is used either on its own or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Therapy radiographers manage the patient pathway through the many radiotherapy processes, as outlined below, providing care and support for patients throughout their radiotherapy treatment.

Therapeutic radiographers are trained in all the many aspects of radiotherapy including:

• Simulation – using specialist x-ray fluoroscopy machines to target the area to be treated whilst minimising the amount of exposure to surrounding healthy tissue;
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  CT/MR simulation – producing scans to be used for the planning of a course of radiotherapy;
  
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  Computer planning – producing a 3D plan of the dose distribution across the area to be treated;
  
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  External beam treatment – using ionising radiation, such as high-energy x-rays, the radiographer delivers accurate doses of radiation to the tumour;
  
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  Mould room – radiographers in the mould room plan the treatment of and produce immobilisation/beam attenuation devices for those receiving radiotherapy to the head or neck;
  
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  Brachytherapy – the use of small radioactive sources placed on or in tumors to treat with a high dose while avoiding normal tissues;
  
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  On treatment review – radiographers regularly assess patients while they are undergoing radiotherapy, prescribing drugs to counteract side effects where necessary or referring them on to other health professionals if needed.
  

Therapeutic radiographers are responsible for providing safe and accurate high energy radiation treatments to individual patients predominantly with cancer. They are also responsible for patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being prior to, during and following radiotherapy. They work with patients to enable them to make informed decisions about treatment and support them through rigorous treatment regimes.