Cancer Resources and Support
At Corewell Health, we are committed to providing you and your loved ones with the resources you need during your cancer journey.
Targeting cancer cells
Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, radiation therapy (also called radiation oncology) can be a highly effective treatment option. Used alone, or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, the goal of radiation therapy is to target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy areas.
How it works
With radiation therapy, high-energy radiation is used to damage the DNA of cancer cells. Once damaged, they stop dividing or simply die. Whether used in combination with other treatments or on its own, our approach is highly personal and depends on the type of cancer you have, its location, and your health.
Radiation is delivered to the outside of the body with a machine (external beam radiation) or within the body (internal radiation).
External beam radiation
Delivered to the outside of the body, these therapies include:
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Uses advanced computer technology to deliver precise doses of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Combines imaging techniques with radiation therapy to precisely target tumors, adjusting for any movement or changes in tumor position during treatment.
Sterotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Delivers high-dose radiation to tumors in the body with extreme precision, typically in fewer treatment sessions compared to traditional radiation therapy.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife)
Uses focused radiation beams to treat tumors in the brain, delivering high doses of radiation with great precision, often in just one session.
Proton therapy
Proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays to deliver highly targeted radiation to cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and reducing side effects.
Internal radiation
Delivered inside of the body, this therapy includes:
Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy high-dose radioactive seeds are implanted in the body, near the cancerous cells.
What to expect
Treatment
Radiation therapy typically involves two steps: simulation, where the treatment area is planned, and the treatment itself, where radiation is delivered in calculated doses.
Potential side effects
Side effects of radiation therapy can vary. But may include:
- Digestive issues
- Feeling overly tired
- Hair loss in the treated area
- Headaches
- Skin redness or irritation near the treatment site
These side effects can be either short-term or long-term. Your healthcare team will closely monitor your condition and provide support to manage these effects during and after treatment, as needed.
Need deeper understanding?
Speak with a specialist to learn more or get a second opinion to confirm a diagnosis or to validate treatment.