External Beam Radiation
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One of the common forms of radiotherapy utilized at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). This technique involves directing a “beam” of radiation from outside your body onto the cancerous organ and/or tissue within your body. External beam radiation may be used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy and/or a myriad of other weapons in the CTCA arsenal to help you fight cancer.
External beam radiation is applied by a linear accelerator, a high-energy X-ray machine. The linear accelerator directs the radiation at the tumor. The procedure itself lasts only a few minutes. It is administered over a period of six to eight weeks, typically five days a week.
Thanks to significant advancements in computer hardware and software, radiation treatment, planning and delivery have changed dramatically in recent years. It is certain to continue to progress over the next decade. Recent advances in radiation therapy can more accurately target the tumor with higher doses of radiation, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
External beam radiation therapy poses no risk of radioactivity to you or others with whom you have contact. You can continue normal activities with family and friends.
Advantages of External Beam Radiation Therapy
- Radiation is an outpatient procedure that does not carry the standard risks or complications that accompany major surgeries (e.g., surgical bleeding, post-operative pain, risk of stroke, heart attack or blood clot).
- The procedure itself causes no pain.
- If you are being treated for prostate cancer, the risk of incontinence is minimal with radiation therapy.
- Nausea almost never occurs with radiation to the prostate.
Learn about extraordinary advances in prostate cancer treatment: Doctors use the Calypso® 4D Localization System™ to help target external beam radiation therapy.