Radiation Oncology

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that treats cancer by placing a small radioactive source inside or near the tumor. This approach allows high doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is commonly used to treat prostate, cervical, and breast cancers. Depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan, the radioactive material may remain in the body temporarily or permanently.

The treatment involves inserting small radioactive implants—such as seeds, ribbons, or catheters—into the affected area. These implants release targeted radiation over a specific period to destroy cancer cells with precision. Brachytherapy often results in shorter treatment times, fewer side effects, and better outcomes for patients. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, although a short hospital stay may be needed for certain cases.

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is an advanced approach that uses real-time imaging to precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue. At UTMB Health, we use ExacTrac® IGRT to enhance accuracy during each treatment session, adjusting for even the smallest patient movements. This painless, outpatient procedure delivers faster and more effective care, helping improve outcomes with minimal disruption to daily life.

ExacTrac IGRT uses high-resolution X-rays to locate tumors just before each session and correct any misalignment. By continuously tracking movement and delivering radiation within one millimeter of the tumor, it allows for higher, safer doses. This level of precision makes it possible to treat a wide range of cancers—including those in the prostate, lung, liver, spine, and brain—with fewer treatments and reduced side effects.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that targets tumors with high precision while sparing nearby healthy tissue. It is especially useful for treating cancers in sensitive areas such as the head and neck, prostate, and breast. By customizing the radiation dose, IMRT helps reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes.

This technology uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to shape and direct the radiation beams to match the tumor's exact size and location. The intensity of the radiation can be adjusted across different parts of the tumor, allowing higher doses to be focused where they are most needed. This approach improves the effectiveness of treatment while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

Palliative radiation therapy is used to relieve symptoms and improve comfort for patients with advanced cancer. Rather than aiming to cure the disease, this treatment focuses on easing pain and other cancer-related complications. It can help shrink tumors, reduce pressure, and improve the ability to eat, breathe, or move more comfortably, depending on where the cancer is located.

This therapy targets specific areas affected by cancer with carefully planned doses of radiation. It may involve just one session or several short treatments, depending on the patient's needs. The goal is to provide effective relief with minimal side effects. By reducing symptoms and supporting daily functioning, palliative radiation helps patients maintain a better quality of life with less disruption to their overall care.

Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for certain benign (non-cancerous) tumors, especially when surgery is not possible or when the tumor is causing symptoms. It works by shrinking or slowing the growth of the tumor while protecting nearby healthy tissue. This approach is commonly used for conditions such as pituitary adenomas, acoustic neuromas, and keloids.

Depending on the type and location of the tumor, treatment may involve a single session or several sessions using precise techniques. Options include Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, Proton Therapy, and External Beam Radiation Therapy. These methods allow for targeted treatment with minimal impact on normal tissue. Radiation therapy for benign tumors offers a non-surgical alternative that helps relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and support long-term health with little to no recovery time.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a precise form of radiation treatment used for tumors located outside the brain, including in the lungs, liver, and spine. It delivers high doses of radiation in a small number of sessions, often five or fewer. This approach is especially useful for patients who are not candidates for surgery and need a non-invasive option.

SBRT combines advanced imaging, motion tracking, and specialized radiation delivery to accurately target tumors while accounting for natural body movements like breathing. By focusing radiation only on the tumor, SBRT minimizes exposure to healthy tissue. This results in shorter treatment times, fewer side effects, and a quicker return to daily activities.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery is a non-invasive, highly focused radiation treatment used to target brain tumors and other small, well-defined areas. Despite the name, it does not involve any surgical incisions. Instead, it delivers precise, high-dose radiation to destroy tumors or stop their growth. This approach offers an effective alternative to traditional surgery with fewer risks, minimal side effects, and a faster recovery time.

At UTMB Health, we use the NOVALIS shaped beam surgery system to perform stereotactic radiosurgery. This advanced technology combines 3D imaging and computer-guided planning to target tumors from multiple angles with sub-millimeter accuracy. The system continuously adjusts the radiation beam to match the tumor’s shape, protecting nearby healthy tissue. Treatments are often completed in just one or a few sessions, allowing many patients to return to their normal routines quickly. UTMB is proud to be home to one of only three NOVALIS machines in Texas.