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Radiation Oncology is a medical specialty that involves the controlled use of radiation to treat cancer and is distinct from radiology. Recent advancements in radiation therapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer, leading to better clinical outcomes for patients. A specialty physician called a Radiation Oncologist manages and oversees each patient’s radiation treatment. The precise treatment intent (curative, adjuvant, neoadjuvant therapeutic, or palliative) will depend on the tumor type, location, and stage, as well as the general health of the patient. Only a radiation oncologist can help in determining if radiation therapy is right for the patient.

There are two ways by which radiation can be administered to patients:

1. External Beam Radiation: External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation through the use of a large machine called a linear accelerator that precisely aims radiation beams from outside of the body at the cancerous tumor.

2. Brachytherapy or Intracavitary Radiation Therapy: Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy in which radioactive particles known as seeds are placed within the body on the tumor or nearby the cancer cells.

About half of all cancer patients receive some type of radiation therapy at some point during the course of their cancer care.