Call us anytime. (866) 629-1551 CANCER TREATMENTS Radiation therapy External beam radiation therapy Internal radiation therapy Radiation therapy side effects The information on this page was reviewed and approved by Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science at CTCA. This page was updated on October 27, 2021. How does cancer radiation therapy work? What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses targeted energy, including X-rays and radioactive substances, to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors and/or alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms. It may be used: As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells In combination with other treatments to stop the growth of cancer cells Before another treatment to shrink a tumor After another treatment to stop the growth of any remaining cancer cells To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), our radiation oncologists are experienced in using advanced technologies to deliver targeted radiation therapy while also proactively managing side effects. From treatment planning to follow-up, our comprehensive cancer centers provide personalized patient care and state-of-the-art radiation oncology services to help you fight cancer and manage its symptoms. Types of radiation Some radiation therapy delivery methods include: External beam radiation therapy: Radiation is directed from a machine outside the body onto cancerous cells within the body. Examples include 3D conformal radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), TomoTherapy, proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery. Internal radiation therapy: Radioactive material is placed (via a catheter or other carrier) directly into or near a tumor. Examples include high-dose rate brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy: A radioactive substance (that is swallowed or injected) travels through the blood to locate and destroy cancerous cells. Examples include radioactive iodine therapy. Managing radiation side effects Typical radiation therapy can be damaging to the body and cause unpleasant side effects, such as skin changes, fatigue, nausea and other issues, depending on the part of your body being treated. During your radiation treatment, radiation therapists and clinicians from a variety of supportive care services will work with you to reduce side effects and improve your quality of life. Six tips for staying hydrated As important as it is to stay hydrated when you’re well, studies show it’s essential during cancer treatment. However, maintaining hydration may be a challenge for patients who are unable to consume enough fluid or who lose too much due to the symptoms of the disease or side effects of treatment. LEARN MORE Experienced care team Our radiation oncology team specializes in delivering high radiation doses to tumors with less damage to normal tissues and organs. Our radiation oncologists will work closely with you and the rest of your cancer care team to deliver radiation therapy based on your individual needs. Individualized treatment approach Radiation therapy is an important part of treatment for many of our cancer patients. Since each cancer type requires a different approach, your treatment options will depend on your unique needs and treatment goals. Our radiation oncologists use advanced imaging techniques before and during radiation treatment so we can closely track the tumor. We use highly targeted radiation technologies to deliver high radiation doses to tumors, with techniques designed to have less impact on healthy tissues and organs. Depending on your individual needs, you may receive radiation therapy alone or in combination with other treatment modalities like surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or immunotherapy. Throughout your treatment, your radiation oncologist will monitor the progress of your radiation therapy regimen and modify your treatment plan as needed. Expert cancer care IS ONE CALL AWAY. APPOINTMENTS IN AS LITTLE AS 24 HRS. CALL NOW: 866-629-1551 Our radiation treatment options Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally. The type of radiation therapy a patient receives may depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of cancer and the size and location of the tumor(s) to be treated. Radiation therapy delivery methods we use include: External beam radiation therapy Internal radiation therapy Radiation therapy side effects Systemic radiation therapy New research Offering clinical trials on new and emerging cancer treatment options. VIEW OUR CLINICAL TRIALS What’s your risk? Assess your cancer risk and take control ASSESS YOUR CANCER RISK INSURANCE PLANS We accept a wide range of insurance plans. VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE Donate to Gateway for Cancer Research Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research DONATE NOW Gateway for Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax-ID: 73-1386920 Call us now (866) 629-1551 Chat Now Hospitals Atlanta Chicago Phoenix Follow us on: © 2021 IPB Terms & Conditions Website Privacy Policy Sitemap