Types of Radiation Therapy
At the Van Elslander Cancer Center, a variety of advanced radiation therapy options are available. Our expert radiation oncologists will work with you and your physician to determine the most effective and most appropriate treatment option.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
One of the most advanced forms of cancer treatment, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) utilizes computer-controlled x-ray accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas of a tumor. The radiation dose is designed to conform to the shape of the tumor – focusing a high dose of radiation on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.
With IMRT, higher and more effective radiation doses can safely be delivered to tumors with fewer side effects compared with conventional radiotherapy techniques.
High-dose-rate Brachytherapy
This technique was developed for patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Patients receive several weeks of standard external beam radiation therapy, followed by one to three high-dose-rate sessions. These sessions require anesthesia and placement of several needles into the prostate. During the sessions, radiation is delivered to the tumor via the needles. This type of brachytherapy leaves no permanent radiation in the patient.
Low-dose-rate Brachytherapy (Radioactive Seed Implants)
Tiny radioactive seeds are implanted into the tumor. Radiation from the seeds then kills nearby cancer cells. One advantage of this type of treatment is that it is completed within one day, but the radiation continues to kill cancer cells for weeks or months. Brachytherapy is generally reserved for patients with low to intermediate risk disease.
Stereotactic Radio Therapy
Using an external stereotactic device and advanced imaging technologies, radiation can be used to destroy cancer cells in the brain.
Pediatric Treatments
The Van Elslander Cancer Center offers state-of-the-art radiation therapy options specially designed for children with cancer.
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