External beam radiotherapy treatments

External beam radiotherapy targets cancer tumours from outside the body using beams of ionizing radiation.  There are various methods and types of machines that deliver EBRT.  Linear accelerators (LINACs), are the most commonly used  machines in the UK and internationally and Cancer Partners UK utilise the latest state-of-the- art LINAC technology. There are other types of machines and other disciplines of radiotherapy, including using radioactive sources that are introduced into the body.

Recent advancements in LINAC technology, dose mapping (dosimetry), and medical imaging enable us to target and deliver external beam radiotherapy with much greater accuracy than ever before.

IGRT lets us check each radiotherapy beam is targeting the tumour and not healthy tissue, increasing effectiveness.

IMRT (intensity modulated radiotherapy) allows the amount of radiation to be varied across different parts of the beam. The radiotherapy dose can be sculpted to match the size, shape and density of the tumour, increasing its effectiveness and avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

IGRT (image guided radiotherapy) uses images taken alongside the radiotherapy treatment to ensure radiotherapy delivery is exactly on target. Sometimes the position of tumours in relation to other parts of your body can change slightly - as you breath for example, or depending how full nearby organs such as your bladder might be.

Cancer Partners UK uses both IMRT and IGRT to deliver the most accurate and effective external beam radiotherapy treatment available.