Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or particles to disrupt the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from growing or replicating. Over time, the treated cells stop dividing and the tumor reduces in size.
Modern radiation therapy — especially the techniques we use at Atlas — is extraordinarily precise. Beams are shaped, modulated, and guided in real time to target tumor tissue while protecting the healthy tissue around it.
Radiation can be used as the primary treatment, after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, alongside chemotherapy, or for palliative care to relieve pain or other symptoms.
Each technique is tailored to the type, location, and stage of your cancer. Dr. Hallock will recommend the approach that gives you the best outcome with the fewest side effects.
Delivers very high doses of precisely targeted radiation in just 1–5 sessions. Used for lung, prostate, liver, spine, kidney, and other cancers. Highly effective with minimal side effects compared to conventional radiation.
Typical course: 1–5 sessions over 1–2 weeks
A single-session treatment for brain tumors and metastases. Delivers highly focused radiation with surgical precision. No incision, no anesthesia, no hospital stay. Most patients go home the same day.
Typical course: 1 session (same-day discharge)
Uses hundreds of tiny beams that vary in intensity to shape dose around complex tumor boundaries while sparing nearby critical structures like the spinal cord, salivary glands, or bladder. Standard for head & neck, prostate, and pelvic cancers.
Typical course: 25–44 sessions over 5–9 weeks
Takes imaging right before each treatment to verify tumor position and adjust for any changes. Accounts for organ motion (bladder filling, breathing) and daily variation in patient positioning. Used alongside IMRT and SBRT.
Used in combination with other techniques
Side effects depend on which part of the body is treated, the total dose, and the technique used. With modern precision radiation like SBRT and IMRT, serious side effects are far less common than they were a generation ago.
The most common side effect across all treatment sites. Often builds gradually over the course of treatment and resolves within weeks after treatment ends. Staying hydrated, maintaining light activity, and sleeping well all help.
The skin in the treated area may become red, dry, or sensitive — similar to a sunburn. This is most common with breast, head and neck, and skin treatments. Our team provides specific skincare instructions.
Radiation to the head and neck may cause temporary dry mouth or difficulty swallowing. Pelvic radiation may cause urinary changes or bowel changes. Brain radiation can cause temporary hair loss in the treated area. Dr. Hallock will review the specific risks for your treatment site at your consultation.
The precision of SBRT, IMRT, and surface-guided radiation therapy at Atlas significantly reduces dose to surrounding healthy tissue — which directly translates to fewer and less severe side effects compared to older radiation techniques.
Our Care Guide can answer general questions — or call us to speak with our care team directly.