How can radiation therapy be delivered?

Radiation therapy may be delivered externally or internally. External radiation delivers high-energy rays directly to the cancer from a machine outside the body. Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, is the implantation of a small amount of radioactive material (seeds) in or near the cancer.

What is the delivery of radiation therapy through internal?

Internal radiotherapy, sometimes referred to as brachytherapy, is a type of radiation therapy in that is delivered from an internal implant. Typically, the sources are radioactive pellets, which are placed in or near a tumor.

How is targeted radiation done?

How it works. Tomotherapy® machines take images of the tumor right before treatment sessions to allow for very precise tumor targeting and sparing of normal tissues. It rotates around you during treatment, delivering radiation in a spiral pattern, slice by slice.

What type of radiation therapy targets a tumor through a machine?

A machine called a linear accelerator, or linac, creates the radiation beam for x-ray or photon radiation therapy. Special computer software adjusts the beam’s size and shape. This helps target the tumor while avoiding healthy tissue near the cancer cells. Most treatments are given every weekday for several weeks.

What machines are used in radiation therapy?

A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) is the device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer. It delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of the patient’s tumor.

Can I drive myself to radiation treatments?

Unless you feel ill, you can typically drive yourself to treatment. In fact, many patients are able to work full-time during their treatment.

What is the difference between external and internal radiation therapy?

During external-beam radiation therapy, the patient does not give off any radiation after treatment sessions. Any radiation remains in the the treatment room. However, internal radiation therapy causes the patient to give off radiation.

What is targeted radiation called?

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) refers to the delivery of tightly targeted radiation beams from outside the body. A course of EBRT involves several daily treatments (fractions) over a few days to a few weeks.

What is targeted radiotherapy?

Targeted radiation therapy: A procedure that uses computers to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor in order to target the tumor as accurately as possible and give it the highest possible dose of radiation while sparing normal tissue as much as possible.

What equipment is used for radiation therapy?

Do I need a driver after radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is usually given on an outpatient basis. Most patients will feel well enough to drive themselves. If you are not feeling well, arrange for a family member, friend, or neighbor to drive you.