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Radiation therapy provides a more targeted approach to help stop the growth of cancer cells. Radiation is often part of a patient’s treatment plan, which, in most cases, also includes surgery and chemotherapy. The Radiation Oncology Center at our Cancer Institute provides numerous types of radiation therapy.

External Radiation Therapy

External radiation therapy treats cancer with high-energy rays, radiation, from outside your body. It is similar to getting an X-ray, but lasts for 2-5 minutes

To determine the dose of radiation needed, you will get a simulation – a CT scan, MRI or a barium enema and X-ray – that will pinpoint your cancer and determine what amount of radiation is needed to treat that specific area.

External radiation therapy is offered at our Radiation Oncology Center. Treatments usually occur five days a week over the course of 2-8 weeks, depending on the type, size and location of the cancer. Your doctor will also take into consideration your current health and other possible medical treatment you are receiving.  

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

Internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, is a treatment that puts a radioactive implant into the cancerous area via a small tube or wire. This implant keeps the radiation in a certain area so that it does not affect the healthy surrounding  tissue.

Types of Brachytherapy

  • Interstitial Radiation – Capsules, catheters or seeds are implanted into the tumor. This treatment is used for prostate cancer.
  • Intracavitary Radiation – Special applicators are placed inside the body cavity that has cancer. This treatment is often used for cervical and endometrial cancer.
  • Intraluminal Radiation – An implant is placed inside an artery, blood vessel or other bodily passage. This treatment may be used for lung or esophageal cancer.
  • Surface Brachytherapy – Used to treat skin cancer and other surface cancers, surface brachytherapy is a small implant that is placed directly on the skin in the tumor or around it.
  • Internal radiation therapy can be done at the same time as external therapy. The implants are non-radioactive after a certain amount of time, so they can be left in permanently or removed.
  • Internal radiation treatment is provided at our Radiation Oncology Center.

Hours

  • Monday – Friday: 8 am–4:30 pm
  • On call for emergencies

Location

  • 7501 Osler Drive
    Suite G04
    Towson, MD 21204

Contact

Please call the UM St. Joseph Radiation Oncology Center at 410-427-2525 for more information.

For a physician referral after 4:30 pm or on weekends, please call 410-337-1338.

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