Registration Links (4 Options)
Speaker RegistrationPatient RegistrationRegister For Clinical TrialsCommunity Network
ONCorg

Radiation Oncology

How radiation therapy works, types of external and internal radiation, what to expect during treatment and managing side effects.

How Radiation Works

Radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer divide. Modern planning shapes the dose precisely to the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. About half of all cancer patients receive radiation.

Types of Radiation Therapy

IMRT / VMAT

Intensity-modulated beams conform the dose to complex tumor shapes.

SBRT / SRS

Very high, precise doses in 1–5 sessions for small tumors and brain metastases.

Proton Therapy

Protons deposit energy at a set depth, reducing exit dose — valuable for children and tumors near critical organs.

Brachytherapy

Radioactive sources placed inside or next to the tumor (prostate, cervix, breast).

What to Expect

  • Simulation scan and custom immobilization
  • Daily treatments lasting minutes, typically over days to weeks
  • Weekly check-ins with your radiation oncologist
  • Side effects are usually limited to the treated area: skin irritation and fatigue are most common

Medically reviewed content for education only — not a substitute for advice from your oncology team.