Radiation Oncology

Before your first treatment, you'll meet with your radiation oncologist for a consultation and planning session. During this visit, you may get imaging scans, like a CT or MRI, to precisely map the area being treated.

Your care team will also explain the radiation therapy process in detail, answer your questions, and provide instructions for the days ahead, including any changes to your diet or medications, and any other special instructions to follow.

After you check in, you'll meet with your radiation therapist, who will review your treatment plan, answer any last-minute questions, and help you feel at ease. Your radiation therapist will then position you carefully for treatment and make sure you're as comfortable as possible throughout the session.

During each session, you'll lie in a comfortable position on a treatment couch while high-energy beams are delivered precisely to the targeted area. The specific type of radiation therapy uses shapes and directs the radiation to match the size and shape of the tumor. If the tumor shifts, the system can pause treatment to ensure accuracy. The treatment itself is painless and typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, although extra time may be needed to position you accurately. Throughout your treatment, our team monitors you closely to ensure your safety, comfort, and well-being.

Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which directs beams from outside your body, radiopharmaceuticals deliver radiation from the inside. These treatments use radioactive medicines that travel through your bloodstream and target specific cancer cells. Radiopharmaceuticals are often given through an IV, injection, or orally in pill form, and may require fewer treatment sessions. Your care team will let you know if this type of therapy is part of your treatment plan.

Many patients benefit from supportive care both during and after radiation treatment. Our cancer rehabilitation program is one of only a few in the country that is led by a fellowship trained specialist.

The program integrates medical management of treatment-related side effects and other physical, occupational, and behavioral therapies. This may include nutritional guidance to help you eat well during and after treatment and physical or occupational therapy to help prevent lymphedema.

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Your experience will depend on the type of treatment you receive. For external beam radiation, your care team will guide you into a comfortable position on the treatment table. The radiation machine moves around you to deliver precise beams to the targeted area from different angles. You’ll need to remain still during the procedure, but you can breathe normally.

If you’re receiving radiopharmaceuticals, your treatment may be given by mouth, through an IV, or by injection. Your care team will explain what to expect and monitor you closely throughout your treatment.

Radiation therapy is generally painless. Whether you’re receiving treatment with a machine or through medicine taken by mouth, an IV, or an injection, you won’t feel the radiation as it works inside your body.

If you’re being treated with a machine, your care team will position you carefully and check on you regularly to make sure you’re comfortable. And if you’re receiving radiation through medicine, your care team will monitor you closely throughout the process to ensure your safety and well-being.

Radiation side effects vary depending on the area being treated, the dose of radiation, and your overall health. Common side effects include mild to more pronounced fatigue and skin irritation, such as redness, dryness, or sensitivity in the treated area. You may also notice temporary changes such as swelling or hair loss in the treated areas.

Your care team monitors you closely and helps manage your symptoms, such as suggesting creams for skin care, tips to boost energy, or adjustments to your treatment plan if needed. Most side effects disappear after treatment ends.

The length of your radiation treatment session depends on the type of therapy you receive.

• External beam radiation therapy: Each session typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Many patients have treatment 5 days a week over several weeks.
• Internal radiation therapy: Therapy can involve placement of a small radioactive source inside the body for 5-15 minutes per treatment. Alternative treatment involves implanting radioactive seeds or sources into or near the tumor, usually under anesthesia. This may take several hours and require a short inpatient stay.
• Radiopharmaceutical therapy (IV or injection): Radiopharmaceuticals like Pluvicto are usually given through an IV. Infusion may take about 3 to 4 hours.
• Radiopharmaceutical therapy (oral): Some radiopharmaceuticals are taken by mouth in a single visit under medical supervision. You may be monitored for a few hours afterward before going home.

The ability to continue working can vary depending on the type of treatment:

• External beam radiation therapy: You can safely be around others and typically continue working and engaging in daily activities. Some patients may experience fatigue or other side effects over time, so it's important to listen to your body and rest as needed.
• Internal radiation therapy and radiopharmaceuticals: These treatments involve putting radioactive material or substances inside your body. Your body may emit radiation for a short period after treatment, requiring you to limit close contact with others, especially pregnant women and young children.

After radiopharmaceutical or internal radiation therapy, small amounts of radiation may remain in your body for a short time. Children and pregnant people are more sensitive to radiation because their bodies are developing, which makes them more vulnerable to its effects.

Radiation therapy is often part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan that may also include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. Your care team — including your surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and other specialists — works closely together to design the best possible treatment approach for you.

The need for additional treatments depends on factors like your cancer type, stage, and overall health. Your doctor will explain every step of your care plan, so you understand how you’re being treated and why each treatment is recommended.

Your doctor monitors your progress throughout your radiation therapy using follow-up exams, imaging tests, and other assessments. Depending on the type and location of your cancer, the benefits of radiation may not be immediately visible, as it can take weeks or even months for tumors to shrink or cancer cells to stop growing. Your care team keeps you updated, answers any questions, and adjusts your treatment plan as needed to make sure you’re on the best path to recovery.