Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy services in Austin and Central Texas

Together with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, the radiation oncologists at St. David's HealthCare use advanced technology to provide you with effective, precise cancer treatment. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other types of treatment options, including surgery and chemotherapy.

Our specialized team will create an individualized care plan, including recovery and follow-up care, tailored specifically to your needs.

To learn more about our radiation therapy services, please call our askSARAH help line at (512) 840-6032.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that involves directing beams of high-dose radiation to kill cancer cells in the body. Radiation is also used to shrink tumors.

During therapy, the beams are aimed at precise locations in the body to directly target areas with cancer cells, sparing healthy cells and body tissue.

Types of radiation therapy

When it comes to treatment, every patient has unique needs. This is why we offer a highly personalized approach to radiation therapy. Our radiation therapy specialists will take the time to carefully review your case, talk to you about what to expect from your treatment and create an individualized treatment plan.

Your physician will typically choose from two general types of radiation therapy—brachytherapy or external beam radiation therapy. They may also suggest using a combination of both therapies to treat your specific type of cancer.

• Brachytherapy—Brachytherapy is the internal application of a radiation source. During brachytherapy, the radiation source is implanted directly into the tissue.
• External beam radiation—During external beam radiation, beams of high-energy X-rays are delivered to the patient externally (from outside of their body).

What to expect with radiation therapy

Once your oncologist has confirmed a cancer diagnosis, you will meet with a radiation oncologist for a consultation. During this consultation, your doctor will provide a physical examination and discuss different types of radiation therapy to see which, if any, will be an effective option for your unique situation.

If radiation therapy is decided upon as part of your cancer care, patients will set up an appointment for a computed tomography (CT) scan to determine the areas to target for radiation. A dosimetrist, a member of the radiation oncology team who controls radiation dosage, will review your information and design a custom treatment plan.

During your course of radiation therapy, our oncology team will be available at all times to assist you with any needs.