Radiation Therapy

Cancers are often treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies. Radiation therapy means the administration of high energy waves or particles to cancer tissues in order to arrest the growth of, or to kill, cancer cells. This may be done by targeting tumor tissues with a “beam” of radiation, or by placing a source of radiation close to tumor tissue. Modern therapy uses CT scans, Xrays, and other techniques to accurately target the tumor while giving very little radiation to other tissues. Radiation may be used to prevent recurrences of tumors, or to treat tumors that already exist. Most side effects are manageable with supportive care and medications. A treatment plan is individualized for each patient, based on clinical trials and experience with the particular type of cancer, its location, and the other health issues that the patient might have. Patients are always included in the discussion and treatment plan, and have the right of consent to any treatment plan.