Radiation Treatment

Cancer treatment is individualized based on cancer type, stage, and treatment goals. Many patients benefit from a multi-modality approach, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and/or radiation therapy—used together or in sequence. For most newly diagnosed patients, these standard therapies are supported by extensive research; for others, emerging treatments may be available through clinical trials.

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This causes the cancer to shrink and can lead to cure, while carefully minimizing side effects. In some cases, radiation is used for palliative care to relieve symptoms rather than cure disease.

Radiation therapy is a local treatment, delivered as high-energy beams precisely targeted to the tumor. Only cancer cells within the radiation field are affected.

The Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, an affiliate of Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, is equipped with two state-of-the-art linear accelerators capable of targeting tumors within millimeters. Care is provided by Carson Tahoe Radiation Oncologists, bringing over 40 years of combined experience in cancer treatment.