External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation therapy uses a high-energy X-ray machine to point radiation beams directly at a tumor. There are many types of external radiation.

Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)

Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) offers more precision using powerful beams of radiation. IGRT pairs imaging and treatment on one single machine, which allows our experts to track tumor movement during and between treatments. This means we can compare images, so we know the exact location of the tumor every time.

We use TrueBeam® linear accelerators that offer the most advanced, real-time modifications during treatment, resulting in a higher chance for a cure. This type of radiation therapy is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, urologic cancer, and others.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows us to treat tumors we coldn’t before because of close proximity to vital organs. It uses computer-based technology and software to aim several small beams at a tumor from different angles. The beam shape bends around the tumor hundreds of times during each treatment. This means we can use higher doses of radiation with more accuracy and control, with less risk of harming surrounding tissue.

We offer an advanced form of IMRT called RapidArc®, which uses computed tomography (CT) imaging and a precise radiation beam to target the tumor in one or two 360-degree rotations around the body. This quickly delivers radiation at every angle, and significantly reduces treatment time. IMRT is used to treat brain tumors, breast cancer, gynecological cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and others.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery is not actual surgery – it’s a type of radiation treatment that gives a large dose of radiation to a small tumor area.

Gamma Knife®

Gamma Knife® radiosurgery is one of the most precise treatments for brain tumors. This procedure uses hundreds of highly focused radiation beams to target tumors and lesions within the brain. With no surgical incision required, Gamma Knife® now offers a more comfortable frameless approach, in addition to framed, depending on the patient case. It’s designed to deliver high doses of radiation with sharp accuracy.

CyberKnife®

CyberKnife® robotic radiosurgery therapy delivers concentrated radiation with extreme accuracy to destroy tumor cells. It’s painless and there is no cutting involved. This sophisticated technology allows us to target and track specific tumors, including those difficult to reach or considered inoperable. The precision of CyberKnife® treatments reduces harm to surrounding tissue and the time it takes for treatment — from 25 minutes to less than five minutes. CyberKnife® is performed in an outpatient setting and is used to treat brain and nervous system tumors, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography (4DCT)

Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) is a highly precise and accurate imaging technology that captures the exact location of a tumor and records its size and movement related to other parts of the body. This means we’re able to stop and adjust treatment when the tumor isn’t in the same position as before. This technology allows us to use higher, more effective levels of radiation, while reducing the impact on healthy tissue. We use 4DCT radiotherapy to accurately plan treatment and make decisions when treating lung cancer, head and neck cancer and others.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

Stereotactic body radiation therapy uses computer imaging to shape radiation beams to match the outline of a tumor. It delivers intensive doses of radiation to a tumor without damaging the surrounding tissues and organs. SBRT uses a specialized coordinate system to pinpoint the tumor and precise beams that can be adjusted when the tumor moves due to digestion or breathing.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy is prescribed in one or more doses given in a day. It’s used to treat certain types of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, and cancers that have spread to the lung, liver, spine, and other areas.