Radiation Treatments

Many cancer treatments are available. Your treatment options will depend on several factors, such as the type and stage of your cancer, your general health, and your preferences. Together you and your doctor can weigh the benefits and risks of each cancer treatment to determine which is best for you.

Radiation Oncology uses high-powered energy beams (i.e., X-rays) to shrink or kill cancerous tumors while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. The St. Clair Hospital Cancer Center Affiliated with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center has two state-of-the-art linear accelerators that deliver advanced treatments, including Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

Radiation Therapy is directed toward cancerous cells to alter their genetic makeup that controls how these cells further grow and multiply. The goal of radiation therapy is to target and eliminate cancerous cells and limit adverse effects as much as possible. 

Radiation Therapy, most commonly used term, refers to the external beam. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally, and in some cases both treatments may be recommended. External beam radiation therapy, the most common form of radiation therapy, is delivered using a linear accelerator. These treatments are often combined with advanced imaging technology to precisely deliver radiation to the location of the tumor. In contrast, internal radiation is delivered using a radioactive source, known as brachytherapy, which is either permanently or temporarily placed in the body.

Our radiation team offers the following radiation techniques: Photon beam, Electron beam, 3D conformal radiotherapy, Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric modulated radiotherapy (VMAT), Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and clinical trials. Your radiation oncologist will determine the best type of radiation therapy for your cancer treatment.

Types of Adult Cancer We Treat with Radiation

• Breast Cancers
• Endocrine and Thyroid Cancers
• Esophageal Cancers
• Gastrointestinal Cancers
• Genitourinary Cancers
• Gynecologic Cancers
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Lung Cancers
• Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers
• Nervous System Tumors
• Prostate Cancers

For more information about Radiation Therapy and how to schedule an appointment with the Radiation Oncology experts, please call 412.942.7001.