Radiation therapy

It is common to have many questions before beginning radiation therapy. Our hospital is accredited by the American College of Radiology for excellence in radiation oncology services. Because of this, our teams are here to help answer questions you may have.

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation therapies we may use for treatment depend on the location of your tumor and your type of cancer.

We offer the following radiation therapy procedures:

• 3D high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy — This form of radiation therapy uses a radioactive seed that is placed inside a catheter. The catheter is directed within or adjacent to the tumor tissue. It is used to perform partial breast irradiation, a five-day targeted therapy for breast cancer, and is used to treat gynecological cancers.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) — This radiation treatment uses external beam radiotherapy to deliver more precisely targeted radiation beams to tumors. It also spares surrounding healthy organs and tissues.
• Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) — This treatment uses image guidance, such as X-ray or CT scans, to verify a tumor's location before radiation therapy. It is often used in combination with IMRT for extreme precision and a faster treatment time.
• Robotic radiosurgery — This is a noninvasive procedure that uses advanced technology to deliver radiation treatment to tumors anywhere in the body with pinpoint accuracy.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery — This radiation treatment is used to destroy a targeted tumor. It uses an external beam radiation source to deliver small beams directly to the target site. It does not affect any adjacent structures in the body.

Potential advantages of radiation therapy

Radiation oncology offers many benefits over other types of cancer treatments, including that it:

• Can be used in any part of the body
• Can reduce the size of a tumor so it can be removed surgically
• Is a localized treatment, which helps if you cannot be treated through surgery or chemotherapy alone

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our hospital provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our community. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.