Radiation Therapy

Houston Methodist’s radiation oncologists are experts in the most innovative radiation therapy techniques, enabling them to precisely target the tumor while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.

With seven locations across the Greater Houston area, our experts offer advanced cancer treatment close to home or work.

Our Approach to Radiation Therapy

More than 20 years ago, Houston Methodist became the first health care provider worldwide to offer intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to more precisely pinpoint tumors.

We continue to trailblaze radiation oncology by researching and providing the latest technologies to reduce treatment side effects. We also offer heart-sparing prone positioning (face down) to patients with left breast cancer to avoid heart and lung radiation exposure.

Additionally, our radiation oncologists work with engineers and other experts to find ways to deliver more precisely targeted and powerful therapies to eliminate tumors and save disease-free tissue.

Radiation Therapy Treatments We Offer

Depending on your specific type of cancer, your radiation oncologist may recommend either internal radiation therapy or external radiation therapy.

Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation therapy is sometimes called brachytherapy. It may be used to treat:

• Eye cancer
• Breast cancer
• Gynecologic cancers
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer

During this type of radiation therapy, radioactive materials (isotopes) sealed in tiny pellets are placed in the tumor using devices, including needles or catheters. The isotopes give off radiation as they decay, which damages nearby cancer cells.

As an alternative method for treating some types of breast cancer, partial breast irradiation uses a catheter to deliver radiation to the tumor site and lumpectomy cavity.

External Radiation Therapy

External radiation therapy uses external beams to damage cancer cells. It may be used to treat:

• Brain cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Gynecologic cancers
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer

There are several different types of external radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy Technologies Our Experts Use

• TrueBeam – delivers powerful, accurate and fast image-guided treatments
• Novalis – an image-guided system that precisely forms a radiation beam around a tumor while protecting the healthy tissue
• TomoTherapy – confirms a patient's tumor before treatment and precisely delivers radiation therapy
• Varian Clinac 21EX – provides accurate, full-dose ranges for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
• Phillips CT Simulator – provides precise and flexible scanning and dosing delivery
• Varian High Dose Rate (HDR) Afterloader – includes a computer-based management system allowing for proper placement, replacement and dosing