External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is the most common form of radiation treatment for cancer. It refers to any radiation therapy delivered from a machine outside the body, precisely targeting cancer cells within the body.
EBRT uses high-energy beams—such as photons (X-rays), electrons, or protons—to treat tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve any incisions or radioactive materials placed inside the body.
At the heart of EBRT’s success are three essential features:
- Precision targeting
- Advanced imaging integration
- Customizable dose delivery
These allow oncologists to tailor therapy for a wide range of cancers, improving outcomes and reducing side effects.
EBRT Technologies
Treatment is delivered using advanced machines called linear accelerators (LINACs). These machines are equipped with specialized technologies that allow radiation to be shaped, timed, and guided with exceptional accuracy. At ARC, we offer several state-of-the-art EBRT techniques, including:
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) – A highly precise, non-surgical treatment typically used for brain tumors and other small targets.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) – Similar to SRS but used for tumors outside the brain, including lung, liver, spine, and prostate.
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) – Delivers radiation in a continuous arc around the patient, enhancing speed and precision.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) – Shapes radiation beams to match the exact dimensions of the tumor, sparing healthy tissue.
- Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) – Uses real-time imaging to verify tumor position and make adjustments during treatment.
- Respiratory Gating – Synchronizes radiation delivery with your breathing cycle to treat tumors that move (like those in the lungs or upper abdomen).
These technologies may be used individually or in combination, based on your cancer type, stage, and anatomy. At ARC, our radiation oncologists work closely with dosimetrists and physicists to design a treatment plan that is highly personalized and technologically optimized.