A treatment that is given in addition to the primary treatment to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the chance of the tumor recurring.

 

A device used to hold a radioactive source in place during brachytherapy.

 

Another term for port films, beam films are pictures of the position of the radiation beams used to treat cancer. They are used to verify the position of the beams and confirm that treatment is delivered to the right place. (not to assess tumors.)

 

Also called immunotherapy, biologic therapy works with your immune system to fight cancer. Biologic therapy is like chemotherapy. The difference is that chemotherapy attacks the cancer directly and biologic therapy helps your immune system fight the disease better.

 

Pieces of metal alloy that can be used to shape the radiation beam.

 

An additional dose of radiation that is given after an initial course of radiation to enhance tumor control

 

Internal radiation therapy that involves placing radioactive sources inside or adjacent to the tumor.

 

A group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor or mass.

 

A tube inserted into the body that can be used to deliver radiation during brachytherapy.

 

Medications given to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

 

Studies that test new cancer therapies.

 

A computer assisted tomography scan is an imaging study that uses X-rays and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the body.

 

A brachytherapy treatment delivering radiation with a small, intense radioactive source on the tip of a flexible wire inserted into hollow tubes placed into or near a tumor by a radiation oncologist.

 

Natural hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, help some tumors grow. To stop their growth, doctors sometimes prescribe hormone therapy to reduce the amount of hormones produced by the body in order to stop the growth of the cancer.

 

A type of radiation therapy in which the radiation doses are divided into smaller amounts and patients undergo treatment more than once a day.

 

A type of radiation therapy in which patients undergo one or just a few treatments.

 

A radiation treatment guided by imaging equipment, such as CT, ultrasound or X-rays, taken in the treatment room just before radiation is given. During IGRT, doctors compare these images to see if the treatment needs to be changed.

 

A device that is used to help a patient remain in the same position during every treatment.

 

Also called biologic therapy, immunotherapy works with your immune system to fight cancer.

 

IMRT is a specialized form of external beam therapy that can help improve how the radiation is shaped to fit your tumor.

 

A form of seed implant where radioactive sources are placed directly into the tumor (such as the prostate).

 

A type of brachytherapy where the radioactive sources are placed into a space where the tumor is located, such as the cervix or windpipe.