Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of complex diseases like sarcoma. While we do not directly provide radiation treatment at Sarcoma Oncology Center, we understand its importance in achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We work closely with a network of top radiation oncology experts at leading academic institutions to offer our patients a multimodal approach to sarcoma treatment. These specialists have extensive experience treating sarcoma and utilize the latest advancements in radiation therapy technology.
A multimodal treatment approach combines various effective methods, like surgery and radiation, to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient. Radiation therapy acts as a powerful ally, targeting and destroying cancer cells with precision.
The type of medical procedure used to treat sarcomas depends upon the size of the tumor. Most small sarcomas (less than one inch or five centimeters) can be treated with surgery exclusively, but the majority of sarcomas are larger than five centimeters and routinely require a combination of surgery and radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy works by directing high-energy beams at cancer cells. These beams damage the DNA of the cells, preventing them from dividing and multiplying. Thus, it effectively halts tumor growth.
Radiation therapy, when used in conjunction with surgery, can be used before, during, and after surgery. For tumor cells that are beyond the reach of surgery, radiation can neutralize them.
Since sarcomas can spread along muscles and between them usually without associated symptoms, radiation targets a perimeter of tissue that surrounds the tumor. Microscopically, sarcoma cells are discrete, but they can trickle out deceptively and remain after surgery.
Beyond targeting visible tumors, radiation therapy can also be beneficial in eliminating microscopic cancer cells that may linger in the area surrounding the tumor - also known as the tumor bed. These microscopic cells can be difficult to remove completely with surgery alone, and radiation therapy can help address this concern.
However, further away from the tumor site, the likelihood of sarcoma cells is lower. Radiation oncologists typically irradiate tissue 5 to 10 centimeters (approximately two inches) beyond the tumor site.
Radiation therapy offers several potential benefits for sarcoma treatment:
At Sarcoma Oncology Center, we offer a comprehensive range of radiation therapy options to suit your specific needs.
Brachytherapy is a procedure performed by introducing radioactive material inside the body to fight cancer and other conditions. Brachytherapy may also be known as internal radiation.
While Sarcoma Oncology Center itself doesn't administer brachytherapy, we recognize its potential benefits for certain sarcoma cases.
We consider it as part of our multidisciplinary treatment approach while devising your treatment plan.
We work closely with a network of top radiation oncology experts at leading academic institutions to offer our patients a multimodal approach to sarcoma treatment.
Sarcoma is a complex disease and combining various strategies often offers the most effective way to combat it. Brachytherapy plays a valuable role within this approach, delivering targeted radiation therapy directly to the tumor site.
External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a non-invasive cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is a localized treatment that focuses on a specific part of your body.
EBRT delivers targeted radiation precisely to the tumor site from outside the body.
While Sarcoma Oncology Center doesn't administer EBRT, we recognize its effectiveness as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
We believe in a multidisciplinary treatment approach, which can sometimes mean working with various specialists to create the most effective treatment plan for you. EBRT, when appropriate, can be a valuable weapon in your fight against sarcoma.
We collaborate with a network of highly skilled radiation oncologists at leading institutions with advanced EBRT technology to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a sophisticated form of radiation therapy. It offers a powerful tool for fighting sarcoma with unmatched precision. IMRT utilizes cutting-edge computer technology to deliver highly focused radiation doses directly to the tumor site, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
At Sarcoma Oncology Center, we include IMRT as part of our multimodal treatment approach for treating various types of sarcoma. While we do not directly provide IMRT at Sarcoma Oncology Center, it can be a valuable option for achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We work closely with a network of top radiation oncology experts at leading academic institutions to offer our patients a multimodal approach to sarcoma treatment. Talk to your doctor to find out more about whether IMRT is a suitable treatment option for you.
Radiation therapy is a versatile and powerful tool for fighting sarcoma. By understanding its various forms and potential benefits, you can actively participate in making informed treatment decisions.
At our office in Santa Monica, we design personalized and innovative plans for treating a wide variety of sarcomas. Our experienced oncologists can discuss your situation and help explore your treatment options.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
