Radiation therapy

We use radiation therapy as a part of our leading-edge approach to cancer care. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to prevent cancer cells from multiplying and growing. The goal is to stop or slow the growth of the tumor. In many cases, a tumor may be completely destroyed.

Once a method of radiation therapy has been decided upon, your doctors will work together to create a plan for your treatment. Simulation is the next phase of the radiation therapy planning process. After finding the best position to treat the cancer, you may be given semi-permanent markings to help your radiation therapist identify the treatment area for future treatment.

During radiation, you will lie on a table that raises you into position under the radiation machine, called a linear accelerator. It is essential to be still during the treatment, and your body’s position will depend on your specific cancer and condition. Protective blocks may be applied during your treatment to protect healthy tissues from the radiation. Your radiation therapist will monitor the entire treatment process from an outside room.

We can administer many different types of radiation therapy to ensure you receive high-quality cancer care.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation, applies radiation directly in and around a cancer. This type of radiation helps kill cancer cells, while sparing surrounding organs from excessive radiation. Brachytherapy is a common treatment tool for cervical, prostate, breast and skin cancer, as well as various types of tumors.

Brachytherapy radiation sources can be placed either temporarily or permanently, as the duration of brachytherapy will depend on many factors. Brachytherapy may be used alone, or with external beam radiation or hormone therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.

Tomotherapy

We also provide image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT), also referred to as tomotherapy. Tomotherapy is the only radiation therapy system designed on a computerized tomography (CT) scanner foundation with advanced radiation technology.

While conventional radiation therapy machines deliver a wide beam of radiation from only a few angles, tomotherapy delivers radiation from all angles for accurate radiation treatment. It also regulates the dose of radiation so the strength of the beams are adjusted to give higher doses of radiation to the tumor while sparing normal tissue.

Tomotherapy offers many benefits, including

• Noninvasive approach
• Reduced discomfort
• Shorter treatment times

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare — a leading provider of cancer care and research — we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

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) 842-4812.