External Radiotherapy

What Is External Radiotherapy?

External radiotherapy, also known as external beam radiation therapy, is a common and highly effective method of treating cancer using high-energy beams aimed at the tumor from outside the body. These beams are typically generated by a machine called a linear accelerator and are carefully shaped and directed to match the tumor’s size and location.

A Versatile Category of Treatments

External radiotherapy isn’t one single technique—it includes a wide range of treatment methods designed to maximize accuracy while minimizing side effects. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, you may receive one or more of the following:

• 3D CRT (Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy)
• IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)
• IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy)
• SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery)
• SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy)
• VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy)
• 4D CRT, which accounts for tumor motion like breathing

Other Specialized Delivery Techniques

In addition to standard external beam methods, our team may also utilize techniques such as:

• Respiratory Gating & Breath Hold Therapy: Synchronizes treatment with your breathing to ensure the radiation is delivered when the tumor is in the exact right position.
• Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI): Delivers radiation only to the part of the breast where the tumor was removed.
• Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET): Treats conditions affecting large skin areas without penetrating underlying organs.
• Total Body Irradiation (TBI): Low-dose radiation to the entire body, often used in preparation for bone marrow or stem cell transplants.

Technology Is Only Half the Equation

At Salter Radiation Oncology, we believe cutting-edge tools are most powerful when paired with deep expertise and compassionate care. That’s why every treatment plan is designed and delivered by an experienced team led by Dr. Susan Salter, with each member focused on ensuring accuracy, comfort, and support throughout your care.

Care Designed Around You

External radiotherapy allows us to treat a wide range of cancers with great precision. But what sets us apart is the way we treat each patient—with personal attention, customized plans, and local care that doesn’t require you to travel far from home.

If you have questions about external radiation therapy or want to schedule a consultation, call us today at (205) 939-7884. No referral is required.