Radiation Therapy

Excerpt

Radiation therapy is the use of directed X-rays or subatomic particles primarily for cancer management in both curative and palliative settings. It can be delivered either externally or internally. External beam radiation, also known as “teletherapy,” is most common and involves a radioactive source outside of the patient, with the energy focused and shaped to the target of interest. Brachytherapy, in contrast, refers to the practice of placing naturally occurring radioactive sources that decay over time and produce high doses of radiation in a focal area. Examples include intracavitary procedures (such as tandem and ovoid placement for cervical cancer), interstitial radioactive seed placement (commonly used for prostate cancer), or placement overlying a cutaneous tumor.