Radiation therapy may also be used to relieve some symptoms of cancer, such as pain, headache or bleeding. Radiation therapy utilizes x-rays generated from machines called linear accelerators to create chemical changes within the tumor cells. These x-rays are aimed at the cancerous cells in an effort to prevent the cells from continued division. Eventually, this kills the cells. Included is the choice of two energies of photon and five energies of electron beams.
Radiation therapy is a carefully planned and monitored process.
Our Radiation Oncologists use information gathered from x-rays, MRI and CT scans, bone scans, etc., to determine where the radiation should be delivered. This allows the physician to locate and treat disease with better visualization and accuracy than ever before. This new technology can provide for more complex treatment regimes and aids in protection of healthy tissue. Radiation may also be given in the form of placing radioactive materials in sealed containers next to cancerous tissues. This is known as brachytherapy.