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Types of Treatment

About Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation Therapy


  • Delivered by radiation therapists, using precise, computer-aided technology to direct cancer-destroying beams to a cancerous site.

  • Radiation therapy treats cancers with ionizing radiation that destroys or inhibits cell growth in the target area. Irradiating the area damages the cancer's genetic material and halts cell growth.

  • Radiation therapy may be used to treat localized solid tumors or cancers of blood-forming cells or the lymphatic system.

  • Once the cancer size and location are defined, calculations are made of the radiation dose, angle and direction used to deliver radiation to the cancerous area.

  • Radiation therapy is delivered by a linear accelerator, using a high-powered, external-beam generator to deliver high energy radiation.

  • The three-dimensional planning system precisely targets the cancerous area, with minimal injury to healthy tissue.

For more information on External Beam Radiation Therapy, click here.


Brachytherapy Treatment


  • Brachytherapy can be used to treat a variety
    of tumors, including cancer of the prostate.
    Above is a sample of the source used to
    implant radioactive seeds (about the
    size of a grain of rice) in treating
    prostate cancer.
    One method permanently implants radioactive "seeds" inside or near the cancerous area.

  • A second method uses a flexible applicator as a delivery system. Applicator is computer-programmed to apply high radiation doses to cancerous areas within set time parameters. The radiation source and delivery system are withdrawn at the end of each treatment session. Usually occurs over a period of three to seven weeks. Some cancers may require a combination of external beam irradiation and brachytherpy.

For more information on brachytherapy, click here.

External Beam Therapy and Brachytherapy -
Two treatment options for women with cancer

For a patient story, click

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