Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At LivHospital, we know that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right treatment is a big decision. Radiation therapy is a key part of cancer treatment. It uses high-energy beams or radioactive substances to kill tumor cells without harming healthy tissue.

We are dedicated to top-notch healthcare and support for international patients. Radiation therapy for cancer works by targeting the DNA in cancer cells. This stops them from dividing and growing, leading to their death.

In this article, we’ll look at the seven main types of radiation therapy used today. We aim to help you understand your options better.

Key Takeaways

• Radiation therapy is a key part of cancer treatment.
• Liv Hospital offers full support and guidance for international patients.
• There are seven main types of radiation therapy for cancer.
• Radiation therapy targets cancer cells’ DNA to stop their growth.
• Finding the right radiation therapy can be complex. But, with the right help, you can make informed choices.

Understanding Radiation Therapy for Cancer Treatment

It’s key for patients to understand radiation therapy for their cancer care. This treatment uses high-energy particles or waves to kill cancer cells. It focuses on the cancer in a specific area of the body.

How Radiation Therapy Works Against Cancer Cells

Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing. When cancer cells get radiation, their DNA is messed up. This makes them unable to divide and eventually die.

This process can take weeks to months, depending on the cancer type and radiation dose. Combining radiation with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy can make it more effective. The goal is to harm cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues.

The Goal of Radiation in Cancer Treatment

The main aim of radiation therapy is to cure cancer or ease symptoms. For some, it can remove cancer completely. For others, it helps control tumor growth or eases pain in advanced cancer.

Radiation therapy is used in different ways, such as:

• As a primary treatment to cure cancer
• Before surgery to shrink tumors
• After surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells
• In combination with chemotherapy to enhance its effectiveness
• To relieve symptoms in advanced cancer cases

When Radiation Therapy Is Recommended

Our team at Liv Hospital decides if radiation therapy is right for you. We consider the cancer type, stage, and location, along with your health.

Decisions on radiation therapy depend on several factors. These include how well the cancer responds to radiation, the tumor’s location, and your ability to handle the treatment. We create a personalized plan to meet your needs.

How Radiation Tumor Treatment Affects Cancer

Radiation tumor treatment is a key part of cancer care. It helps target and destroy cancer cells. This can make tumors smaller or even get rid of them.

Reducing and Shrinking Tumors with Radiation

The main goal of radiation therapy in cancer treatment is to shrink tumors. This makes them easier to remove surgically. It also helps reduce symptoms caused by tumor growth.

When Radiation Can Eliminate Cancer Completely

In some cases, radiation tumor treatment can get rid of cancer completely. This is more likely when cancer is caught early. The success of radiation therapy depends on several factors.

• Early-stage cancers are more likely to be completely eliminated with radiation therapy.
• Tumors located in sensitive areas may require more precise radiation techniques.
• Combining radiation with other treatments can enhance its effectiveness.

Combining Radiation with Other Cancer Treatments

We often use cancer radiation therapy with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. This approach helps target cancer cells better. It also lowers the risk of cancer coming back and improves survival rates.

By mixing radiation therapy with other treatments, we offer care that fits each patient’s needs.

7 Types of Radiation Therapy Used in Modern Cancer Care

Knowing about the different types of radiation therapy is key for treating cancer well. At Liv Hospital, we offer a variety of radiation therapies to meet our patients’ needs.

Overview of Radiation Delivery Methods

Radiation therapy comes in several forms, each with its own use and benefits. The main types are external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy. EBRT sends radiation from outside the body, while internal radiation therapy places the source inside the body.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common type. It uses beams from a machine outside the body to target cancer cells. EBRT includes types like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).

External vs. Internal Radiation Approaches

Choosing between external and internal radiation therapy depends on several factors. External radiation is often used for tumors near the body’s surface or when cancer has spread.

• External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, places a radioactive material directly into or near the tumor. This method delivers high doses of radiation to specific areas, protecting healthy tissues nearby.

Choosing the Right Radiation Type for Different Cancers

Choosing the right radiation therapy is a complex task. It involves a team of cancer specialists. They consider the cancer’s stage, location, and the patient’s health.

“The choice of radiation therapy depends on the cancer type, stage, and the patient’s overall condition. Our experts work closely with patients to determine the most effective treatment plan.”

The seven major types of radiation therapy used in modern cancer care are:

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
2. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
3. Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
4. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
5. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
6. Proton Therapy
7. Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

At Liv Hospital, we aim to provide our patients with the latest and most effective radiation therapy options. We strive for the best outcomes in their cancer treatment journey.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): The Foundation Treatment

EBRT is a key treatment in fighting cancer. At Liv Hospital, we use it to target tumors with precision. It gives hope to those with different types of cancer.

What Is External Beam Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) uses beams from outside the body to kill cancer cells. This non-invasive treatment aims to hit the tumor hard while keeping healthy tissues safe.

The EBRT Treatment Process

The EBRT treatment process has several steps:

1. Simulation: We use CT scans to plan the treatment area.
2. Treatment Planning: Our team makes a plan to give the right dose of radiation.
3. Daily Treatment: Patients get radiation therapy, usually 5 days a week, for weeks.
4. Follow-up: We check how the treatment is working and manage side effects.

Common Cancers Treated with EBRT

EBRT works well on many cancers, including:

• Breast Cancer: It’s used after lumpectomy to kill any cancer left.
• Prostate Cancer: EBRT is a common choice for early prostate cancer.
• Lung Cancer: It treats both non-small cell and small cell lung cancers.
• Head and Neck Cancers: EBRT helps manage tumors in these areas.

Potential Side Effects and Management

EBRT can cause fatigue, skin changes, and pain. Our team works hard to lessen these effects with advanced tech and care. We help patients manage side effects and improve their life during treatment.

At Liv Hospital, we aim to give top-notch EBRT treatment. Our team works together to make treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs. This way, we increase the chances of a good outcome.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Precision Treatment

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a big step forward in radiation oncology. It’s a way to send radiation beams that match the tumor’s shape. This helps protect healthy tissues around it.

How IMRT Differs from Standard EBRT

IMRT is different from standard EBRT because it changes the radiation beam’s intensity. This lets different parts of the tumor get different doses of radiation. It’s all about tailoring treatment to the patient’s needs.

Precision is key in IMRT. It lets us aim at tumors near important areas like the spinal cord or brainstem. This way, we can avoid causing too much damage.

Benefits of Beam Intensity Modulation

Modulating beam intensity in IMRT brings many benefits. These include:

• More precise targeting of tumors
• Less damage to healthy tissues
• Potential for better treatment results
• Ability to treat complex or irregular tumors

Ideal Cancer Types for IMRT

IMRT works best for cancers that are:

• Close to important structures
• Shaped irregularly or are complex
• Recurring or have been treated with radiation before

Examples include prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, and some brain tumors.

Side Effect Profile of IMRT

Even though IMRT aims to reduce side effects, it’s not risk-free. Common side effects vary by treatment area. They can include fatigue, skin reactions, and changes in bowel or bladder habits.

“The precision of IMRT allows us to deliver high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues, potentially reducing the risk of long-term side effects.”

Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) and Stereotactic Treatments

Advanced radiation therapies have changed cancer treatment a lot. 3D-CRT and stereotactic treatments target tumors precisely. They give high doses of radiation to tumors but protect healthy tissues.

The Technology Behind 3D-CRT

Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) uses advanced imaging to make a 3D model of tumors and body parts. This lets doctors shape radiation beams to fit the tumor. It ensures the tumor gets the most radiation while keeping healthy tissues safe.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for Brain Tumors

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a precise radiation therapy for brain tumors. It’s not surgery but a non-invasive treatment. SRS is great for small to medium-sized brain tumors, being very precise and protecting the brain.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Body Tumors

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) treats tumors in the body, not just the brain. It gives precise, high doses of radiation in a few sessions. SBRT works well for small to medium-sized tumors in places like the lungs, liver, and spine, with fewer side effects.

Patient Experience with These Targeted Therapies

Patients getting 3D-CRT, SRS, or SBRT find their treatments precise and effective. These treatments are often non-invasive, so recovery time is short. Patients can quickly get back to their daily lives. Personalized care and advanced technology make treatments fit each person’s needs.

Proton Therapy: Advanced Particle Radiation Treatment

Proton therapy uses protons instead of photons to treat tumors. It’s a cutting-edge method that targets cancer cells with great precision. This helps protect healthy tissue around the tumor.

Differences from Photon Radiation

Proton therapy is different from traditional photon radiation. Photon radiation can travel through the body, harming healthy tissues. But proton therapy focuses its energy right on the tumor, thanks to the Bragg peak.

The Bragg Peak Advantage

The Bragg peak is a key benefit of proton therapy. It ensures the radiation dose is high at the tumor site but low elsewhere. This is very helpful for tumors near important areas like the brain or spine.

Ideal Candidates for Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is best for some patients. It’s great for kids because it reduces harm to growing tissues. Adults with tumors near vital structures also benefit from its precision. Studies show it’s a safer option for some cancers.

Availability and Cost Considerations

Even though proton therapy has many benefits, it’s not as common as traditional radiation. It’s also more expensive because of the advanced technology. But as technology improves, we can expect more access and lower costs.

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): Radiation from Within

Brachytherapy is a precise way to treat cancer. It places radioactive sources directly in or near the tumor. This method delivers high doses of radiation exactly where needed, protecting healthy tissues.

Delivery Methods

Brachytherapy comes in two main types: permanent and temporary. The choice depends on the cancer type and tumor location.

• Permanent brachytherapy implants small radioactive seeds or pellets that stay in the body. They emit radiation over time until it’s gone.
• Temporary brachytherapy places a radioactive source near the tumor for a set period. Then, it’s removed.

Cancer Types Treated with Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy treats many cancers, like prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers. It’s chosen based on the tumor’s location, size, and stage.

The Brachytherapy Procedure and Experience

The brachytherapy procedure varies by type. For permanent brachytherapy, seeds are implanted under imaging guidance. Temporary brachytherapy uses a catheter or applicator loaded with radioactive material.

Patients might feel tired, swollen, or uncomfortable at the implant site. These effects are usually short-term and managed with care.

Safety Considerations

Safety is key in brachytherapy. For permanent implants, patients learn how to reduce radiation exposure to others, like children and pregnant women. Temporary brachytherapy requires careful handling and shielding to protect everyone involved.

At our institution, we focus on patient safety and comfort during brachytherapy. We ensure our patients receive top-notch care.

Conclusion: Advances in Radiation Therapy and Future Directions

Recent advances in radiation therapy have greatly improved cancer treatment outcomes. At Liv Hospital, we’ve seen the positive effects on patient care. Now, radiation therapy is more precise and effective, with various types for different cancers.

The future of cancer treatment is bright, thanks to ongoing research and new technologies. We’re dedicated to leading in these advancements, ensuring our patients get the best care. As cancer therapy evolves, we expect better treatment results and improved patient lives.

By using the latest in radiation therapy, we can tailor treatments for each patient. This focus on personalized care is key to improving cancer treatment. Our goal is to deliver top-notch healthcare and support to cancer patients globally.

FAQ

Reference:

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2025). Breast radiotherapy: Types and treatment process. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/breast-radiotherapy