Radiation Therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses radiation to destroy cancer cells to keep them from dividing and spreading throughout the body. Radiation therapy may be used as your primary treatment or in combination with other therapies to shrink tumors or to help alleviate other cancer-related symptoms. Radiation may also affect normal cells surrounding your cancer cells. With careful treatment planning, radiation can be directed to the cancer while trying to spare most normal tissues near the cancer.
The advanced technology available through the Varian TrueBeam and Varian Edge systems help allow radiation treatments to be safely delivered to patients, and at a faster, more precise dose rate than most conventional linear accelerators. The radiation beam precisely targets cancerous cells while nearby healthy cells are minimally exposed.
For each patient, the type of radiation therapy prescribed is highly unique and will vary depending on these factors:
- The type of cancer diagnosed.
- Stage of cancer.
- The cancer’s location within the body.
- How close the cancer is located to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation.
- How far into the body the radiation needs to travel.
- The patient’s general health and ability to tolerate treatment.
- Whether the patient will have other types of cancer treatment.
Since each cancer type requires a different approach, your treatment plan will be based on your individual needs and treatment goals. Our multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, coupled with the use of new technologies and a strong focus on patient care, helps to provide better outcomes and experiences for our patients.
For more information about Radiation Therapy or to schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0725.
See also: TrueBeam Radiation Treatment for Cancer, Giving Patients the ‘Edge’ in Cancer Care