Radiation therapy for cancer treatment
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At Sharp, our San Diego radiation oncology experts use advanced radiation therapy to treat cancer and other conditions with safety and compassion. Our care team works with you to create a treatment plan that is precise, personalized and focused on your comfort and quality of life.
Radiation therapy at Sharp
Experts at Sharp use carefully targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. Your doctor will recommend the approach that’s right for you and guide you every step of the way.
External beam radiation
External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from outside the body. Treatments are noninvasive and typically last only a few minutes. At Sharp, we’re proud to care for patients using the most advanced radiation technology available.
IMRT uses a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver radiation. IMRT can adjust the strength and direction of radiation during treatment. This makes it helpful for treating tumors located near sensitive areas such as the brain, spinal cord, heart or kidneys. This method may be a good option for larger tumors, irregularly shaped tumors, or cancers that require treatment over a wide area.
VMAT is a form of IMRT that delivers radiation as the treatment machine rotates around the body. Radiation is delivered with arcing beams, often allowing treatment to be completed in less time than traditional approaches.
SRS and SRT deliver very high-dose radiation with extreme accuracy to small, well-defined tumors. Despite the name, these treatments do not involve surgery or incisions. SRS delivers radiation in one treatment. SRT delivers radiation in several treatments over a few days, which may be helpful for tumors near sensitive areas or for larger tumors.
Internal radiation (brachytherapy)
Sharp offers high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, allowing radiation to be delivered internally and placed directly at the treatment site. It is often used to treat breast, cervical and uterine cancer.
Excellence in radiation care
Sharp’s radiation oncology services are nationally recognized for quality and safety. Our standards and processes have earned accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx) — a reflection of our commitment to delivering safe, accurate and compassionate care.
Recognized for excellence in cancer care
National distinction from Becker’s Healthcare for advancing cancer care via research, innovative treatments and clinical trials.
Frequently asked questions
Radiation therapy can be used at many stages of cancer. It may be used to treat early‑stage cancer, help prevent cancer from coming back, or relieve symptoms in more advanced stages. It can be used alone or with surgery or chemotherapy.
The success of radiation therapy varies by cancer type, stage, and treatment goal. It can control cancer, help prevent recurrence, or relieve symptoms. It is an important part of treatment for many people with cancer.
External radiation therapy delivers radiation from outside the body using advanced treatment machines. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) places radiation directly inside or near the tumor. Both approaches are designed to target cancer while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible.
Radiation therapy may cause hair loss in the area being treated. For example, radiation to the head may cause hair loss on the scalp, but radiation to another part of the body will not affect the hair on your head. This is different from chemotherapy, which can sometimes cause hair loss throughout the body.
External radiation therapy does not remain in your body after treatment. With internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), radioactive material may remain in place for a set period of time, typically less than an hour. Once the treatment has been completed and radioactive material is removed, no radiation remains in your body.
Radiation therapy treatment in San Diego
Receive radiation therapy treatment at one of our Sharp locations.
