Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)
Radiotherapy uses precisely targeted high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. Most often delivered from outside the body (external beam) over a planned course of short daily sessions, it may be used alone, before or after surgery, or with chemotherapy. Modern techniques shape the radiation closely to the tumor for accuracy.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Radiotherapy damages the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer grow and divide, while healthy cells are better able to repair themselves. The most common form is external beam radiotherapy, in which a machine directs radiation at the tumor from outside the body. Treatment is typically given as a course of short daily sessions over several weeks, each session lasting only minutes and causing no pain at the time.
Modern radiotherapy is highly precise. Detailed imaging is used to plan the exact shape and dose, and techniques such as intensity-modulated and image-guided radiotherapy shape the beams closely to the tumor while limiting the dose to nearby healthy tissue. Radiotherapy may be used on its own, to shrink a tumor before surgery or reduce recurrence afterwards, alongside chemotherapy, or to relieve symptoms. Some cancers are treated with internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy), where a source is placed close to or within the tumor.
Because side effects build up gradually and are mostly limited to the treated area, the team explains what to expect and manages them with supportive care. International patients are supported by a coordinator with a clear plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, including how many sessions are planned, and specialists can review pathology and imaging remotely.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a cancer that responds to radiation, alone or in combination
- Patients who may benefit from radiotherapy before surgery to shrink a tumor
- Those who may benefit from radiotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence
- People for whom radiotherapy is combined with chemotherapy for a stronger effect
- Patients needing radiotherapy to relieve symptoms caused by a tumor
- People seeking a second opinion on a proposed radiotherapy plan
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis and planning
Pathology and imaging confirm the cancer and its location. A multidisciplinary tumor board agrees whether radiotherapy is appropriate and how it fits with surgery, chemotherapy or other treatments.
- 2
Simulation and treatment planning
A planning scan maps the exact area to treat. The team designs a precise plan — shaping the beams and dose to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue — and may mark the skin or make a mold to keep positioning exact.
- 3
Treatment sessions
External beam radiotherapy is given as a course of short daily sessions, usually as an outpatient. Each session is painless and takes only minutes once you are positioned accurately.
- 4
Managing side effects
Side effects build up gradually and are mostly limited to the treated area, such as skin changes or tiredness. Supportive care manages them throughout the course to protect your quality of life.
- 5
Follow-up and surveillance
Side effects in the treated area often settle after the course ends. Scans and reviews assess the response, and international patients receive a clear follow-up plan for after returning home.
Benefits
- Targets the tumor precisely while sparing surrounding healthy tissue
- Each session is painless, quick and usually given as an outpatient
- Can shrink a tumor before surgery or reduce the risk of recurrence afterwards
- Combines effectively with surgery and chemotherapy in many plans
- Can also relieve symptoms caused by a tumor when cure is not the goal
Risks & considerations
- Skin changes and tiredness, mostly limited to the treated area, that build up gradually
- Site-specific effects depending on what is near the treated area, which the team minimizes
- Some side effects can appear or persist after treatment, which follow-up addresses
- Effects on fertility if the treated area is nearby, which the team discusses in advance
- Side effects are individual; not everyone experiences the same ones
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Comprehensive Oncology Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy) — frequently asked questions
No. Each external beam session is painless and takes only minutes once you are positioned. You feel nothing during the treatment itself; any side effects, such as skin changes or tiredness, build up gradually over the course and are managed with supportive care.
Radiotherapy is usually given as a course of short daily sessions over several weeks, though the exact number depends on the cancer type, stage and aim of treatment. Your team confirms the schedule after planning.
With standard external beam radiotherapy, no — the radiation is delivered by a machine and you are not radioactive afterwards. Some internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) needs specific precautions, which your team explains in detail if it applies to you.
Yes. Share your pathology, imaging and proposed plan and our specialists provide an independent opinion before you decide on treatment or travel.
A course often runs daily over several weeks, with each session lasting minutes. Your coordinator explains how long to plan to stay. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case — covering planning and the treatment course — rather than a fixed online price, because every plan is individual.
Related treatments
Considering radiotherapy (radiation therapy)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.