Radiation therapy
Around half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy.Destroying cancer cells
There are many ways to have radiation therapy but they all work in a similar way. Carefully controlled high-energy X-rays destroy or damage cancer cells. This stops them growing or spreading.
Radiation therapy is usually delivered in daily intervals called ‘fractions’. This allows time between treatments for the healthy cells to repair and the cancer cells to die off.
Advanced radiation therapy services
At GenesisCare, we’re always pushing the boundaries of technology to develop better radiation therapy treatments. Targeting the cancer cells in tumours without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
What is radiation therapy?
Our radiation therapy treatments:
External beam radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. Before your treatment begins, we’ll take some imaging scans to establish the precise shape, size and location of the tumour. If your treatment is after your tumour removal surgery, then we’ll take scans to examine the area where the tumour was removed.
Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is a simple technique used to treat cancer in the breast or chest wall. It’s precisely targeted so there’s less chance of damage to the heart and lungs.
IMRT is a ‘conformal’ radiation therapy. This means radiation beams are shaped to surround the treatment area, so it avoids damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Tomotherapy is a type of IMRT. It combines the technologies of a CT scanner (providing 3D images) and an IMRT machine to accurately target a tumour.
- Creating a 3D image of the tumour means we can target the beams precisely. We adjust the treatment to the size, shape and location of the treatment area
- The tumour is given a very high dose of radiation. The healthy surrounding tissue gets a much lower dose, reducing the risk of side-effects
Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a type of IMRT. VMAT is very accurate and maximises radiation to the tumour. The surrounding healthy tissue receives a much lower dose, reducing the risk of side-effects.
- VMAT delivers a continuous beam of radiation therapy in an arc that moves around the tumour. It automatically changes the beam shape and radiation dose as it moves
- Treatment sessions with VMAT are usually short – around 10 minutes
- VMAT can be used when the tumour is close to critical organs. It helps them avoid being damaged by radiation
IGRT uses X-rays and scans before, and during, your treatment. It’s used to verify your position and anatomy before the treatment machine is turned on.
- The scans show the exact shape, size and location of the tumour. We can then make tiny adjustments to precisely target the treatment area
- IGRT can target cancers that move during, or between, treatment sessions. For example, lung cancers that move as you breathe. Or prostate cancer that can move depending on whether your bowel is full or empty
SRS is a non-surgical treatment for some types of cranial cancers. It delivers high doses of precisely targeted radiation therapy which reduces damage to nearby healthy tissue.
- It’s often used to treat small tumours of the brain
- It’s accurate to within one to two millimetres
SABR targets tumours in the body with high doses of radiation therapy. It destroys cancer cells with minimum damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Gamma Knife isn’t a physical knife, and there’s no surgery involved. It’s a non-invasive alternative to neurosurgery.
SGRT uses sophisticated 3D camera technology to accurately target and kill cancer cells.
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy. It involves placing a tiny amount of radioactive material into, or next to the tumour. Depending on the type of cancer being treated, material may be inserted using a very thin needle or wire, an applicator, or radioactive beads or ‘seeds’.
SpaceOAR hydrogel treatment is an option for men having radiation therapy for prostate cancer. It’s a water-based soft gel implant that temporarily creates a small gap between the prostate and the rectum. This gap protects the rectum from radiation exposure during prostate radiation therapy, meaning fewer side-effects.
Side effects
Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment in Australia.
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Tiredness
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Skin changes
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Swelling and build up of fluids
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Hair loss
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Stress, anxiety and other coping issues are also common
Helpful resources
We understand that you may still have some unanswered questions, and we’re here to help you in any way we can. But if you are still seeking answers visit Targeting Cancer for further information about radiation therapy or contact a staff member from a centre near you.
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Regional Cancer Centre, Corner of Borella Road and East Street, East Albury, NSW, 2640
(02) 6043 7800
3056 Albany Hwy, Suite 10, Armadale Hospital Specialist Centre, Armadale WA 6112
(08) 9391 1234
Cardiac Investigations Unit, Bundaberg Base Hospital, Bourbong Street, Bundaberg West, QLD, 4670
(07) 4199 7300
St John Of God Berwick Specialist Centre, 55 Kangan Drive, Berwick VIC 3806, Australia
(03) 8794 2700
Buderim Private Hospital, 12 Elsa Wilson Drive, Buderim QLD 4556
1800 155 225
Suite 21, St John of God Hospital, Southwest Health Campus, Corner of Roberston Drive & Bussell Highway, WA, 6230
(08) 9720 3400
South West Health Campus, Corner of Bussell Hwy & Roberston Drive, Bunbury, WA 6230
(08) 9726 6400
Suite 21, St John of God Hospital, Southwest Health Campus, (Cnr Robertson Drive & Bussell Hwy), Bunbury WA 6230
(08) 9720 3403
Bundaberg, Mater Hospital (Oncology), 313 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670
(07) 4154 9900
Suite 3, Entrance 1, 72 Barolin Street, Bundaberg, QLD 4670
(07) 4199 7080
Mater Misericordiae Hospital, 313 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg West, QLD, 4670
(07) 4199 7080
Health and Wellness Centre Level 1, Suites 8-10, 20 Scholar Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3083
(03) 8467 5900
Cabrini Hospital Malvern, Level B4, Gandel Wing, 183 Wattletree Road, Malvern, VIC 3144
(03) 9597 6900
Calvary Central Districts Hospital, Jarvis Road, Elizabeth Vale SA 5112, Australia
(08) 7285 6400
Chermside Medical Complex, Lower Ground Floor, 956 Gympie Road, Chermside QLD, 4032
(07) 3917 4400
Cockburn Health & Community Centre, Level 1, Suite 11, 11 Wentworth Parade, Success WA 6164
(08) 6332 2300
Cockburn Health & Community Centre, Level 1, Suite 11, 11 Wentworth Parade, Success WA 6164
(08) 9233 5200
Central Highlands Healthcare Ltd. Trading as Emerald Medical Group Lot 1, Pilot Farm Road, Emerald QLD 4720
(07) 3858 8690
Epping Medical Centre, Ground Floor, 230 Cooper Street, Epping, VIC, 3076
(03) 9409 8000
Flinders Private Hospital, Level 2, 1 Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA 5042
(08) 8179 5500
Fraser Coast, St Stephen’s Private Hospital, 1 Medical Place, Urraween, QLD, 4655
(07) 4120 6600
Floor 1, 19-23 Bingera Street, Bundaberg QLD 4670
(07) 4199 7300
Mater Hospital (Outpatients Department), 50 Rosella Street, Gladstone, QLD, 4680
(07) 3858 8690
Mater Misericordiae Hospital, 50 Rosella St, Gladstone QLD 4680
(07) 4199 7080
Ramsay Specialist Centre Suite 212, Level 2 Newdegate Street, Greenslopes, QLD, 4120
(07) 3255 7200
Gympie Specialist and Diagnostic Centre, 74 - 76 Channon Street, Gympie QLD 4570
(07) 5390 3700
Suite 1, Warringal Private Hospital, 216 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084
(03) 9455 4800
Urraween Medical Centre, Suite 4/156 Urraween Road, Urraween QLD 4655
(07) 4303 4300
Hollywood Private Hospital, Diagnostic Nuclear Imaging, Monash Ave, Nedlands WA 6009
(08) 9438 8500
Jimboomba Medical Centre Shop 14, Jimboomba Shopping Centre Mt Lindesay Highway Jimboomba, Qld, 4280
(07) 3255 7200
John Flynn Private Hospital, 42 Inland Drive, Tugun QLD 4224
Level 3, Shenton House, 57 Shenton Avenue, Joondalup, WA 6027
(08) 9400 6161
Shenton House, Level 3, 57 Shenton Avenue, Joondalup, WA 6027
1300 977 062
Level 3, 57 Shenton Avenue, Joondalup WA 6027
(08) 9233 5200
Suite 103, Specialist Medical Centre West, Grand Blvd & Shenton Ave, Joondalup, WA, 6027
(08) 9233 5200
Karratha Health Campus Outpatients Department 62 Balmoral Road KARRATHA WA 6714
(08) 9144 7777
Lady Bjelke-Petersen Community Hospital (formerly South Burnett Private Hospital), 31 Markwell Street, Kingaroy QLD 4610
(07) 3858 8690
Langwarrin Suites 1 & 2, 35 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Langwarrin VIC 3910
(03) 8769 5800
Mackay Rehabilitation Hospital, 57 Norris Road, North Mackay, QLD, 4740
1800 155 225
Hospital Building, Suite 1, Level B2, 3 Technology Place, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109
(02) 9812 3220
Margaret River Surgery, 1 Station Road, Margaret River WA, Australia
9720 3400
Margaret River Surgery, 1 Station Road, Margaret River WA, Australia
9720 3400
St Stephen's Medical Centre Suite 2, 166 John Street Maryborough QLD 4650
(07) 4303 4300
Mater Private Clinic Suite 5.02 & 5.11, Level 5 550 Stanley Street South Brisbane QLD 4101
(07) 3360 7100
The Mater Hospital, 25 Rocklands road, North Sydney, NSW
(02)9458 8050
Mount Ommaney Medical Centre Shop 6/171 Dandenong Road Mt Ommaney QLD 4074
(07) 3725 3900
Mulgrave Private Hospital, Suite 8, Churchill Consulting Suites, Blanton Drive, Mulgrave, VIC, 3170
(03) 8793 3800
St John of God Wexford Medical Centre, Level 4, Suite 68-72, 3 Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch, WA 6150
(08) 6332 2300
Suite 59, SJOG Medical Centre Barry Marshall ParadeMurdoch WA 6150
Suite 68-72 Wexford Medical Centre, Level 4, 3 Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch WA 6150
(08) 9233 5200
10 Mapleton - Nambour Road, Nambour QLD, Australia
(07) 5374 8100
Suite 20/21 Hollywood Medical Centre, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA
(08) 6389 9100
Suite 20/21 Hollywood Medical Centre, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
(08) 9233 5200
Lake Imaging Specialist and Research Centre 14-20 Blackwood Street North Melbourne 3051
(03) 9813 7950
St Andrew’s Hospital, North Street, Spring Hill, QLD, 4000
(07) 3832 1717
Level 2, 2-9 Village Way, Lakeside Square Medical Precinct, Pakenham VIC 3810
(03) 8793 3800
Level 4, Suite 22, Melbourne Private Medical Centre, Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052
(03) 9813 7950
Suite 53/ 146 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000 Australia
Suite 3 Mount Medical Centre, Level 3, 140 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000
(08) 9233 5200
Pindara Specialist Suites Suite 4.07, Level 4, 29 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD 4214
Pindara Private Hospital, Allchurch Avenue, Benowa QLD 4217
Pulse Oceanside Medical, Suite 402, 11 Eccles Boulevard, Birtinya, QLD 4575
(07) 5322 5900
Ringwood Private Hospital, 36 Mount Dandenong Road, Ringwood East VIC 3135
(03) 8870 3300
RiverCity Private Hospital, Level 4, 401 Milton Road, Auchenflower, QLD, 4066
Mater Hospital (Outpatients Department) 31 Ward Street Rockhampton QLD 4700
(07) 3858 8690
Rockhampton Hospital, Lower Ground Floor, Canning Street, Rockhampton, QLD, 4700
(07) 4932 5000
Elanora Dr, Rockingham General Hospital, Cooloongup WA 6168
Priority Health Orion Shopping Centre, 1st Floor, 1 Main Street, Springfield QLD 4300
(07) 3858 8690
St Andrew's Hospital, 352 South Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
(08) 8228 6700
St Andrew's Medical Centre Clinic, Level 2. 321 South Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
(08) 8202 6644
St Andrew's Hospital Toowoomba, 280 North Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350
9 Scrub Hill Rd, Nikenbah QLD 4655, Australia
(07) 4199 7080
St Vincent's Hospital, Basement Level, Building C, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065
(03) 9427 6500
St Vincent's Private Hospital, Toowoomba, Scott Street, Toowoomba City QLD 4350
(07) 3858 8600
St Vincent's Private Hospital, Scott Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350
Suites 14 & 15, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, 3 Doherty Street, Birtinya QLD 4575
(07) 5390 3700
Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital Suite 20/3 Doherty St, Birtinya QLD, 4575
(07) 5437 9788
Vermont Consulting Clinic, Vermont South Medical Centre, Level 3, Suite 3-5a, 645-647 Burwood Hwy, Vermont South, VIC, 3133
(03) 9210 8300
Level 5, Suite 91 Sandford Jackson Building 30 Chasely Street Auchenflower QLD 4066
(07) 3858 8650
The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD, 4066
1800 155 225
The Wesley Medical Centre, 1/40 Chasely St Auchenflower, Brisbane, QLD, 4066
Westside Private Hospital, Suite 309, Level 3, 32 Morrow Street, Taringa, QLD, 4068
(07) 3022 7850
Royal Street Specialist Centre, Cnr Royal Street & Wanneroo Road, Yokine, WA 6060
0894803000
Royal Street Specialist Centre, Cnr Royal Street & Wanneroo Rd, Yokine WA 6060
(08) 9233 5200
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