[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/radiotherapy-for-breast-cancer-rccas-priti-patel-md-addresses-common-questions-about-side-effects\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/radiotherapy-for-breast-cancer-rccas-priti-patel-md-addresses-common-questions-about-side-effects\/","headline":"Radiotherapy for breast cancer: RCCA\u2019s Priti Patel, MD, addresses common questions about side effects","name":"Radiotherapy for breast cancer: RCCA\u2019s Priti Patel, MD, addresses common questions about side effects","description":"Radiation therapy administered after lumpectomy or mastectomy has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurring, but the treatment can be marked by side effects and understandably raises questions for many patients.","datePublished":"2023-04-21","dateModified":"2025-03-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/patel-priti-1275786444.png","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/patel-priti-1275786444.png","height":377,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/radiotherapy-for-breast-cancer-rccas-priti-patel-md-addresses-common-questions-about-side-effects\/","about":["Colon Cancer"],"wordCount":1751,"keywords":["News & Events"],"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRadiotherapy for breast cancer: RCCA\u2019s Priti Patel, MD, addresses common questions about side effects\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 21, 2023\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRadiation therapy administered after lumpectomy or mastectomy has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurring, but the treatment can be marked by side effects and understandably raises questions for many patients.As a radiation oncologist who treats breast cancer and a wide range of other solid tumors and blood-based malignancies, Priti Patel, is accustomed to counseling patients about the therapy, including its benefits and potential adverse effects. She recently shared her insights and guidance on the topic.The first thing I want patients facing breast cancer to know is that no concern should go unspoken and no question should go unasked,\u201d says Dr. Patel, who practices in Red Bank, NJ with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA-Hackensack), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. \u201cLearning that you have breast cancer can be overwhelming. As you process that news, information about your treatment plan can be a lot to take in. I want my patients to be fully informed about their care and to have confidence in their decisions. There is no such thing as a \u2018silly question.\u2019 Discussing our treatment approach, as well as the evidence and experience that guides it, is part of the comprehensive care we provide at RCCA,\u201d she notes.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDr. Priti Patel, board-certified radiation oncologist, practicing with RCCA in Hackensack, N.J.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnderstanding how radiation therapy works, and why it is used.When Dr. Patel talks with a patient about radiation therapy \u2013 which also is known as radiotherapy —\u00a0one of the first points she addresses is how the treatment works. “I explain that radiation therapy is an X-ray, except it’s a higher energy than a standard X-ray you might have for diagnostic purposes,” she says. “That energy is channeled into a beam directed toward its target in an extremely precise manner.\u201d She also explains to patients that cancer cells \u2013 which reproduce faster than other cells in the body — are more susceptible to radiation than healthy cells because they have weaker DNA, the genetic material in the cell nucleus that drives cell reproduction. \u201cBecause of this weak DNA, cancer cells tend to break up when a high-energy radioactive beam strikes them,\u201d the board-certified radiation oncologist notes.Dr. Patel also shares with patients that the goal of radiation therapy following lumpectomy or mastectomy is to destroy any microscopic cancerous cells that may remain after surgery. \u201cSeveral studies have shown a reduced rate of breast cancer recurrence, as well as a survival benefit, when radiotherapy is administered after surgery,\u201d she notes.As patients weigh those benefits against potential side effects, many ask whether radiation poses a risk to nearby organs, including the heart and lungs. In addressing those concerns, Dr. Patel notes that long-term heart and lung toxicity were possible adverse effects of techniques formerly used to deliver radiation to people with breast cancer. She adds that while that risk cannot be eliminated entirely, it has been significantly reduced over the last decade to less than 1-2% thanks to the development of technologies that enable radiation to be delivered with great precision. Further, she adds,\u00a0radiation oncologists now can draw upon a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches\u00a0\u2013 in terms of technology, patient positioning, radiation dose and schedules \u2013 to create individualized care plans that provide each patient with the maximal potential benefit with the lowest corresponding risk for side effects.“It is our top concern as radiation oncologists to minimize exposure to any part of the body other than the breast,” says Dr. Patel, adding, “Radiation technology has come such a long way that we\u2019ve reached a point where the local control and survival benefit far outweighs the risk to the lungs and heart.”Common side effects \u2013 and their treatmentDr. Patel notes that other, less-serious but still-important side effects can occur, including skin changes, fatigue, and swelling. \u201cWhen these side effects do occur, they can vary significantly in their intensity, onset, and duration,\u201d she says. The physician adds, \u201cMost side effects resulting from radiation therapy are mild to moderate and resolve over a period of days or weeks. Further, we have effective strategies for minimizing the impact of most side effects, and our doctors and nurses are always available to discuss concerns and offer suggestions. I make sure my patients know to bring up anything that is bothersome or looks suspicious to me, one of our other physicians, the nurses, or anyone on the treatment team. Patients are seen weekly throughout treatment; however, we are present daily to address any concerns.\u201dIn providing further detail on some of the more commonly seen adverse effects, the cancer specialist notes:Skin changes. Skin changes in the treated area can include itching, peeling, redness, dryness, tanning and sometimes pain. They may occur after any form of radiation. Risk factors for skin changes and irritation include a large treatment area; friction, such as when breast tissue rubs against the inner arm; and smoking. Usually an over-the-counter skin cream can moisturize the skin and reduce discomfort and redness during treatment, she adds.Drinking plenty of fluids and obtaining 7-9 hours of sleep each night are the keys to managing the common side effects, and result in marked improvement for most people, Dr. Patel says. Drinking 64 ounces (eight glasses) of water each day is a good general goal, although lower intake may be appropriate based on your diet and level of physical activity, Dr. Patel notes. \u201cUrine that is light yellow is usually a measure of adequate fluid intake,\u201d she adds.\u00a0Fortunately, most women do not have any restrictions during breast radiation, and many women can work or exercise during treatment.Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures throughout the body that drain lymph, a colorless fluid carrying the white blood cells that help fight infection. When lymph nodes in the breast or underarm are affected by breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy, the flow of lymph can be blocked, causing swelling in the surrounding tissues. Left untreated, lymphedema can have adverse effects such as skin hardening, swelling, and mobility issues, Dr. Patel notes. She adds that breast cancer patients experiencing swelling anywhere in their body should contact their care team at once.\u201cWe often refer patients experiencing lymphedema to a physical therapist with expertise in treating the condition,\u201d Dr. Patel says. She explains that the therapist can instruct a patient in an exercise regimen that will increase lymph node drainage and relieve swelling. In other cases, the therapist may place a compression sleeve over the affected area to improve the flow of lymph.The radiation oncologist notes that some patients may experience fibrosis — an unusual firmness in the radiated area — days to years after treatment. Exercise, stretching techniques, and massage can ease these symptoms, Dr. Patel says. She adds that if the fibrosis doesn\u2019t respond well to those approaches, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory\u00a0medications, or even additional surgery can help.Similarly, some patients may experience tightness or a pulling sensation in the treated area days or weeks after chest wall radiation. Movement exercises and gentle massage typically can help reduce or eliminate this sensation, Dr. Patel says.Meanwhile, while hair loss or thinning can be a consequence of radiotherapy, it occurs only in the treated area, Dr. Patel explains. \u201cWhile chemotherapy and some other treatments, such as targeted therapy, may cause women to lose the hair on their heads, radiation therapy delivered to the breast would only affect the nearby area, such as the underarms,\u201d she notes.The bottom line\u201cThe main thing that I want women \u2013 and men \u2013 who need radiotherapy for breast cancer to know is that the benefits far outweigh the potential adverse effects, and that we have extensive experience in avoiding, minimizing, and managing those side effects \u2013 should they occur,\u201d Dr. Patel says. She adds, \u201cWe\u2019re committed to providing our patients with \u2018whole-person\u2019 care. That means treating the breast cancer, of course, and using the latest therapies and technologies to eradicate the disease and prevent its recurrence. But it also means ensuring that all of a patient\u2019s questions and concerns have been addressed, and that we effectively treat any side effects that may occur.\u201d*******Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School, and then completed an internship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and her residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital \u2013 Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. The board-certified radiation oncologist is affiliated with hospitals including Bayshore Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean University Medical Center, and Riverview Medical Center.Dr. Patel is one of the 90+ cancer specialists on the RCCA team. Those specialists treat patients at more than 20 RCCA care centers located throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. RCCA oncologists and hematologists see more than 23,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 225,000 established patients, collaborating closely with their patients\u2019 other physicians. They offer patients the latest in cutting-edge treatments, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to a wide range of clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders such as anemia, RCCA care centers also provide infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including multiple sclerosis, Crohn\u2019s disease, asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more about RCCA, call 1-844-346-7222\u00a0or visit RCCA.com. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSigns of Precancerous Colon Conditions\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAdenomatous polyps are a precancerous condition. They are not cancerous by themselves and are often largely harmless. Their presence, however, indicates abnormal changes to colon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCommon Symptoms of Colon Cancer\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tColon cancer is among the most common cancer types diagnosed in the United States. According to colon cancer projections from the American Cancer Society, about\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tImmunotherapy for Colon Cancer Treatment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colon cancer, identifying the treatment approach that\u2019s best for you and your particular circumstances is\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Radiotherapy for breast cancer: RCCA\u2019s Priti Patel, MD, addresses common questions about side effects","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/radiotherapy-for-breast-cancer-rccas-priti-patel-md-addresses-common-questions-about-side-effects\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]