Radiation Therapy Overview
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to treat a variety of medical conditions, especially cancer. It is often used following
cancer surgery or in addition to chemotherapy.
Radiation treatment may be given by means of machines that produce high energy X-rays or electrons (negatively charged particles).
Depending on the location and type of treatment, radioactive materials may be implanted directly in the tumor or introduced through tubes placed in the specific site of interest.
Lahey's Department of Radiation Oncology is known for the
development and use of specialized procedures in the treatment of cancers. These include the rotational therapy technique and special methods for
protecting non-diseased tissue during treatment.
Lahey's Department of Radiation Oncology provides a wide
range of specialized therapy:
- We have an extensive brachytherapy program for the treatment of prostate cancer. In this procedure, radioactive "seeds" are implanted at the tumor site.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery is available to treat brain
tumors. Through stereotactic radiosurgery, highly focused radiation is directed at the tumor by multiple rotational beams to deliver precise radiation treatments that minimize the impact on adjacent healthy tissue.
- Three-dimensional treatment simulation uses CT imaging
technology to precisely map the tumor location so that radiation beams can be "shaped" to provide highly targeted, optimal treatment to the tumor site.
- We have extensive experience in the use of radiation
for treatment of certain noncancerous conditions, such as restenosis of coronary stents.
Specialized Technologies and Services
- Clinac 2100 linear accelerator (2) with pending IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) capacity
- Clinac 6/100 radiotherapy unit
- Nucletron Simulator
- Ximatron Simulator
- GammaMed Plus system for high-dose, short-term brachytherapy
- ADAC treatment planning system
- RSA X-Knife fractional stereotactic radiosurgery program
- High-dose-rate afterloading brachytherapy program for
prostate cancer
- I-125 seed implant program for prostate cancer
Clinical Interests
- Intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Techniques of electron irradiation of the body's skin
surface for the treatment of widespread skin malignancies
- Three-dimensional treatment planning
