Radiation Therapy

3D-CRT uses sophisticated computers and CT or MRI scans to create detailed, 3D representations of the tumor and surrounding organs. This allows your radiation oncologist to shape radiation beams to the size and shape of your tumor and direct them precisely, sparing healthy tissue.

IMRT, a specialized form of 3D-CRT, further enhances radiation precision, often allowing the delivery of a higher and more effective dose, while limiting exposure of healthy tissues.

Electron beam therapy is a less penetrating radiation that spares underlying tissues. It is best for patients whose cancers are near their skin’s surface, or for thick tumors in the skin.

Superficial x-rays treat tumors that arise on the skin and are detected before they can become very thick. They cure certain skin cancers with almost no effect on underlying tissues.

Neutron beam therapy targets certain tumors that are resistant to conventional radiation therapy, or that are inoperable.

Stereotactic radiotherapy uses very small beams of radiation to destroy certain types of small tumors more precisely and quickly than other techniques. It also treats malformations in brain blood vessels and certain noncancerous brain tumors.

IGRT uses imaging technologies such as PET, MRI, or CT scans to more accurately and safely deliver radiation to cancer cells. Doctors use it to treat tumors in areas of the body that move, such as the lungs.

Also called internal radiation, brachytherapy uses special applicators to implant radioactive “capsules” in or close to a tumor, allowing a large dose to target cancer cells with less exposure to healthy tissue. Brachytherapy may require anesthesia and brief hospitalization.

High-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU is an image-guided procedure that uses energy from high-frequency sound waves to destroy cancer cells within the prostate. These sound waves are targeted directly on the cancerous tumor cells while preserving and maintaining the function of the neighboring healthy cells.