External radiation known as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (or IMRT) involves high-energy beams aimed directly at the tumor in order to destroy the cancer cells' ability to grow and multiply.

IMRT uses sophisticated computer software to deliver thousands of precisely placed radiation beams that specifically target the cancer tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissue and organs. Assisted by advanced three-dimensional imaging technology and treatment planning systems, physicians and physicists manipulate the intensity of the radiation, allowing for simultaneous treatment to different parts of the cancer site. By utilizing varying levels of power, IMRT can be used to treat oddly shaped tumors as well as those tumors that have spread to critical organs.

Types of cancer that might benefit from IMRT include:

Lung Prostate Brain Pancreatic/biliary Spine Head and neck Gynecological Liver

In addition, many people who have previously received conventional radiation therapy, and have recurrent cancer can be treated with IMRT-based radiation therapy.

For more information about IMRT, please contact our Radiation Oncology team at 909.920.4841.

Internal radiation, or Brachytherapy, is an advanced cancer treatment in which radioactive seed implants are placed in or near a cancerous tumor. The seeds allow for the delivery of a dose of radiation to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissues.

There are two types of brachytherapy: high dose and low dose.

High Dose Brachytherapy
High dose radiation (HDR) brachytherapy involves placing a temporary radioactive implant, via a catheter, in to the target area. The radioactive implant has an exceptionally high dose rate for rapid treatment of tumors in the cervix, vagina, uterus, esophagus, lung, prostate, or bile duct.

Low Dose Brachytherapy
For low dose brachytherapy, permanent radioactive seeds are placed, via a catheter, into the tumor area. It may be an alternative to external radiation therapy for certain types of tumors including some gynecological cancers, prostate cancer, and brain tumors. For more information on the advanced cancer treatment known as Brachytherapy, please contact our Radiation Oncology team at 909.920.4841.