External-Beam Radiation Therapy

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 means 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.

Understanding External-Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

External beam radiation is the type of radiation therapy most often used to treat sarcomas. Unlike surgery and brachytherapy, which involve inserting implants or making incisions, EBRT delivers radiation from a machine located outside the body.

The machine used for EBRT is called a linear accelerator or Linac. This complex machine generates high-energy beams of radiation, typically X-rays or electrons. Advanced technology allows these beams to be carefully shaped and sculpted to match the three-dimensional shape of the tumor.

This precise targeting minimizes the amount of radiation exposure to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. This technique is known as conformal radiation therapy.

The shaped radiation beam is then precisely directed toward the tumor site using the Linac machine. This targeting is based on imaging studies like CT scans performed before treatment.

Overall, EBRT offers a precise and non-invasive approach to delivering radiation therapy for sarcoma treatment.

EBRT for Sarcoma Treatment

EBRT can be used at different stages of sarcoma treatment:

Pre-Operative Therapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors. This can improve surgical outcomes by allowing for less invasive procedures and potentially preserving healthy tissue.
Post-Operative Therapy: It can be used after surgery to destroy microscopic cancer cells remaining in the area, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Primary Treatment: The website content highlights that for some sarcomas, particularly those located in the chest or the area behind the abdomen, EBRT may be the primary treatment approach. This is because placing catheters for brachytherapy may not be feasible in these locations.

EBRT Treatment Process

The EBRT treatment process typically involves several steps.

Simulation

Before treatment begins, a simulation process takes place. This involves imaging techniques like CT scans to map the tumor location and surrounding anatomy precisely. Based on this information, the radiation oncologist determines the optimal beam angles and dosage for your case.

Treatment Sessions

EBRT is typically delivered on an outpatient basis, with most patients receiving daily sessions (usually five days a week) for several weeks. The treatment is brief, lasting only a few minutes per session.

Treatment Duration

While 7-8 weeks is an estimated average duration for treatment, it's essential to understand that the exact duration for you can vary. It usually depends on your treatment plan and factors like the stage and size of your tumor. Rest assured that our team will discuss the specific details of your treatment plan with you before treatment begins.

Benefits of EBRT for Sarcoma

EBRT offers several potential benefits for sarcoma treatment:

Unlike surgery or brachytherapy, EBRT avoids the need for incisions or implants.
Conformal radiation therapy allows for highly targeted treatment, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
EBRT can be effective for shrinking tumors before surgery or eliminating microscopic disease after surgery, reducing the risk of recurrence.
For specific sarcoma locations, EBRT can be the primary treatment approach.
In advanced stages, EBRT can help alleviate symptoms like pain or bleeding.

Potential Side Effects of EBRT

Side effects of EBRT can vary depending on the treatment area and dosage.

Common side effects may include:

Fatigue
Skin irritation in the treatment area (similar to a sunburn)
Hair loss (depending on the treatment area)
Nausea (less common)

These side effects are often temporary and manageable with medication and supportive care. Rest assured that our care team will discuss the side effects specific to your case and the measures available to manage them.

External-Beam Radiation Therapy for Sarcoma Treatment

EBRT is a powerful tool used to fight sarcoma. Understanding how it works and its potential benefits and risks can empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

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.