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| External Beam Therapy In this type of therapy, a beam of radiation is directed through the skin to the cancer and the immediate surrounding area. Click HERE for more infomation. |
| Brachytherapy Also known as internal radiation, this type of therapy consists of placing radioactive material into a tumor or its surrounding tissue. Click HERE for more information. |
| Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) Tumors are not regular—they come in different shapes and sizes. 3D-CRT uses computers and special imaging techniques to show the size, shape and location of the tumor. CAT scans, MRI scans and/or PET scans are used to create detailed, three-dimensional representations of the tumor and surrounding organs. The beams can then be tailored precisely to the size, shape and location of the tumor. |
| The course of radiation therapy is composed of four steps: 1. Consultation 2. Treatment Planning 3. Radiation Treatment 4. Follow up |
| 1. Consultation The referral of a patient to the InterCommunity Cancer Center begins with a request from a physician for an opinion regarding the use of radiation therapy for a patient with a malignancy. The consultation consists of: •a review of the patient’s medical history •a review of laboratory and x-ray findings •a physical examination of the patient •an evaluation of whether or not radiation therapy will benefit the patient |
| 2. Treatment Planning The treatment planning process is a crucial point in developing the patients’ care requiring precise interpretation of the condition plus a critical evaluation of the clinical situation. Treatment planning consists of: •complete assessment of the patient and all aspects of care •coordination with other treatment modalities (chemotherapy and surgery) •exact tumor localization by means of special tests and radiographic procedures •determination of radiation treatment modalities to be used •treatment design and supporting treatment devices to be used •number of treatments and radiation dosage • simulation to assure that areas to be treated can be accurately reproduce on a daily basis |
