Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or radioactive materials to kill cancer cells. The purpose of radiation treatment is to detect and destroy the cancerous tumor while minimizing the adverse affects on adjacent healthy organs and tissue. The treatment is odorless, invisible and painless. This therapy incorporates various techniques, including external and internal radiation.

Since radiation is a local treatment, side effects are usually confined to the area being treated. The early effects of radiation may be seen a few days or weeks after treatments have started and may continue for several weeks after treatments are completed.

The William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center provides its patients with cutting-edge radiation treatments, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).