The types of radiation therapy used for prostate cancer are:
External beam radiation
Brachytherapy (internal radiation)
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): In EBRT, beams of radiation are focused on the prostate gland from a machine outside the body. This type of radiation is often wont to attempt to cure earlier stage cancers. New EBRT techniques focus on the radiation more precisely on the tumor. This give higher doses of radiation to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT): 3D-CRT uses special computers to precisely map the location of your prostate. Radiation beams are then shaped and aimed at the prostate from several directions, which makes it less damaging surrounding normal tissues and organs.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): IMRT, an advanced form of 3D-CRT therapy, is the most common type of external beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It uses a computer-driven machine that moves around the patient because it delivers radiation.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): This technique uses advanced image-guided techniques to deliver large doses of radiation to a precise area like the prostate.
Brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy): Brachytherapy alone is generally used only in men with early-stage prostate cancer that is relatively slow-growing (low-grade) and its combined with external radiation is sometimes it's an option for whom have a higher risk of the cancer growing outside the prostate.
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The types of radiation therapy used for prostate cancer are:
External beam radiation
Brachytherapy (internal radiation)
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): In EBRT, beams of radiation are focused on the prostate gland from a machine outside the body. This type of radiation is often wont to attempt to cure earlier stage cancers. New EBRT techniques focus on the radiation more precisely on the tumor. This give higher doses of radiation to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT): 3D-CRT uses special computers to precisely map the location of your prostate. Radiation beams are then shaped and aimed at the prostate from several directions, which makes it less damaging surrounding normal tissues and organs.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): IMRT, an advanced form of 3D-CRT therapy, is the most common type of external beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It uses a computer-driven machine that moves around the patient because it delivers radiation.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): This technique uses advanced image-guided techniques to deliver large doses of radiation to a precise area like the prostate.
Brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy): Brachytherapy alone is generally used only in men with early-stage prostate cancer that is relatively slow-growing (low-grade) and its combined with external radiation is sometimes it's an option for whom have a higher risk of the cancer growing outside the prostate.
Neutron therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy neutrons to treat certain types of cancers, such as certain types of brain tumors and salivary gland tumors. Neutron therapy targets and damages cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Radiotherapy is also commonly referred to as radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy can be used to treat certain types of cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells. It is not a cure for all diseases, but it plays a critical role in cancer treatment and can help improve outcomes for patients. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Natural radiation is primarily used for medical imaging and therapy, as in X-rays and radiation therapy for cancer treatment. It is also used in dating archaeological artifacts through techniques like carbon dating or luminescence dating. Additionally, natural radiation is used in environmental monitoring to assess radiation levels in the environment.
Radiation sensitizers are substances that increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation therapy, making the treatment more effective. They can enhance the damaging effects of radiation on cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells, ultimately improving the overall outcome of radiation therapy for cancer patients.