Radiation Oncology
Sutter Cancer Center Treatments & Services

Many cancer treatment plans include radiation therapy alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally by directing high-energy beams at a cancer target, or through internal placement of needles, seeds, wires, or catheters containing radioactive material. Prostate seed therapy is an example of internal radiation.

Radiation may be used alone or as part of a larger treatment plan, including treatment to shrink tumors prior to surgical removal. One of the benefits of external beam radiation is its ability to zero in on cancers without surgery. Cancers located near critical areas of the body or brain or that may be difficult to reach surgically are especially good targets for radiation. Brain tumors, for example, that might be inoperable because they are too close to critical nerves or located deep within brain tissue can be pinpointed and treated with Gamma Knife® Radiosurgery.

More information about radiation treatments is available under specific cancers listed in the cancer topic of our Health Information Library. Additional information is also available from the National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov and the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.