Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells using high-energy beams. After enough damage occurs, the cells cannot multiply, and they die. 

Yes. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy. EBRT means that radiation comes from a source outside the body, like a high-energy beam. Internal radiation therapy means that a radioactive substance is put inside the body so it can send out radiation. The radiation is delivered either as photons (such as X-rays or gamma rays) or subatomic particles (tiny particles that are smaller than atoms, such as electrons or protons).  

People get radiation therapy to cure, stop or slow their disease. It is also used to reduce the risk that cancer will come back or to help with symptoms caused by tumors. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible while causing the least amount of damage to healthy cells. 

Radiation therapy is used in these ways:

• Primary treatment: As a main treatment to cure, stop or slow the disease. 
• Adjuvant therapy: After one or more other treatments, like surgery or chemotherapy, to reduce the risk that the cancer will come back.
• Palliative therapy: To help with symptoms, like pain, by shrinking the tumor.

The exact role of radiation therapy in your care depends on many factors, including the type, size, location and stage of your cancer. Your radiation oncologist will tell you about the type of treatment they recommend for you and explain why they think it is the best choice.