Radiation Therapy
Forrest General's radiation therapy capabilities began in 1967, when Forrest General became the first area hospital to offer cobalt therapy. Over the past 30 years, Forrest General's radiation treatment facilities have become part of a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. Today, Forrest General Cancer Center operates two linear accelerators- the most advanced method of radiation therapy and is recognized as a regional center in the delivery of cancer treatment.
How does radiation therapy work?
Cancer cells respond differently to radiation than normal cells. When exposed to radiation, cancer cells die. Normal cells may be affected temporarily by radiation, but are capable of regenerating themselves.
Before a patient undergoes radiation therapy, tumors within the body are pinpointed using technology such as CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Doctors then use a linear accelerator to precisely deliver radiation to the tumor.
Unlike earlier radiating devices used to treat cancer, the linear accelerator only treats areas of the body where radiation is needed. The machine has seven energy levels for delivering precisely-measured doses of radiation, including two penetrating x-ray beams and five superficial electron beams.
The x-ray beam of the linear accelerator can spare the skin and superficial tissues while delivering the radiation dose to a deeply-seated tumor. Using an electron beam, the linear accelerator also can treat superficial tumors, while sparing the organs beneath them. The machine also is capable of rotating around the patient and treating the tumor from several angles. This capability allows delivery of high dose radiation to the tumor, while reducing the dose to normal surrounding tissues.
In addition to linear accelerator treatment, radiation therapy also can be delivered by radioactive isotopes. The isotopes may be implanted into a tumor to give a higher dose of radiation in a shorter time than is possible with external treatment. This form of therapy often is used for cancers of the head and neck, uterus, prostate and bronchus. Radiation implants also are used in conjunction with external radiation to deliver a boost of radiation to the tumor.
E-mail FGH OnCall or call us at 1-800-844-4445 for more information about Radiation Therapy.
