Radiation Therapy & Radiosurgery

Work together with the expert radiation oncology team at PIH Health for advanced cancer therapy using high energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells.

Accredited Radiation Therapy

Expect the best treatment at PIH Health because we are accredited by the American College of Radiology.

What’s Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy in addition to other cancer treatments to destroy cancer cells.

Types of Radiation Therapy

Rely on our skilled radiation oncology team to fight your cancer using the most advanced, effective radiation technologies.

External Beam Radiation

External beam radiation is high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells using:

• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) – Uses 3-D computer images to precisely target cancer
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) – Uses small, “bendable” beams of radiation to target tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue
• Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy – Uses a 3-D planning system to target a high dose of radiation into the body at the site of the cancer cell and protects healthy tissue
• Stereotactic radio-surgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) – Uses special equipment to position the patient precisely and deliver high doses of radiation to a tumor

Internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy)

Internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy) places radioactive materials (seeds) in the body to deliver radiation to a small area using:

• High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy – Targets a high dose of radiation to an exact tumor site within the body over a short period of time
• Low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy – Places radioactive ‘seeds’ which give a low dose of radiation to the exact tumor site over a few days or are permanently placed

Additional Radiation Therapy

Your care plan may include:

• Vison RT – Uses infrared imaging to precisely track your position and help limit radiation doses to areas that do not require radiation.
• Radioisotopes – Treats thyroid cancer using radioactive iodine in liquid form
• Xofigo (radium 233 dichlorides) – Treats advanced prostate cancer (CRPC) that has spread to the bones

Advanced Radiation Technology

Take advantage of a wide range of advanced technologies for external beam and internal radiation therapies at PIH Health for more precise treatment, including:

• Elekta Synergy® and Synergy S® linear accelerators – Deliver treatment fast and accurately
• Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRS) – Delivers precisely-targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments
• High-dose-rate Varian GammaMed Afterloader™ – Delivers internal radiation directly to the tumor site
• Toshiba© large-bore CT simulator – Captures high-resolution images for planning your treatment
• Ultrasound – Uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of structures within your body
• Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) – In conjunction with the High-dose-rate Varian GammaMed Afterloader, it is a possible option for breast cancer patients which will reduce the time of treatment
• Tattoo-less breast cancer treatments

Personalized Treatment Plans

Count on your care team to create a custom radiation treatment plan based on your tumor’s location and shape. This means your treatment will protect your healthy tissue surrounding your tumor.

Coping with Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Rest assured, your knowledgeable care team will help manage any side effects. You’ll meet with a social worker weekly to evaluate your needs and get additional support and resources.