Everyday Amazing

YOUR GUIDE
TO RADIATION
THERAPY
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome................................................................................................. 2
What Is Radiation Therapy................................................................3 - 4
Types of Radiation Therapy
External Radiation Therapy
Types of External Radiation Therapy
Internal Radiation — Brachytherapy
Radiation Therapy.................................................................................. 5
Your Radiation Treatment Team
Safety and Quality Assurance
What to Expect....................................................................................... 6
Your Radiation Consultation Visit
Planning Your Treatment — Simulation
Treatment..........................................................................................7 - 8
Your Treatment Schedule
The Treatment Process
How Will I Feel During Radiation Therapy?
After Your Treatment Program Ends
Managing Side Effects ...................................................................9 - 10
Recommended Skin Care During Radiation Treatment
Nutrition
Fatigue
Hair Loss
Sexual Activity
Fertility — During & After Treatment
Feelings and Concerns
Support Services and Programs......................................................... 11
Clinical Services
Support and Education Programs
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms.............................................12 - 13
Helpful Hints........................................................................................ 14

OUR MISSION

The mission of Harvard Medical School’s Department of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital
is to provide excellence in patient care by administering the highest level of quality in a safe and compassionate
environment. We strive to excite, educate, encourage, train, and mentor a diverse team of physicians,
physicists, radiation therapists, and dosimetrists to become excellent caregivers, to develop methods to
improve outcomes for their community, and to become future leaders in academic medicine and/or healthcare
delivery. We are active participants, not bystanders, in the revolution of life science discoveries that will
distinguish the first part of this century as reducing human suffering.
WELCOME TO THE MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
DEPARTMENT OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY

On behalf of the entire staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Massachusetts General
Hospital Cancer Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology. You have chosen one
of the finest medical centers in the world to receive your cancer care. You have the vast
resources and expertise of the entire hospital available to you and a dedicated radiation
oncology team who will take every advantage of coordinating those resources to bring you
the safest and most effective treatment for your cancer.

Our physicians are some of the world’s most knowledgeable and skilled radiation
oncologists and are faculty members at Harvard Medical School. All of our physicians
specialize in particular types of cancer. This specialization means that the radiation
oncologist/doctor who is in charge of your care has dedicated him/herself not only to
learning all there is to know about your specific disease but also to participating in clinical research to improve
treatment outcomes and to sharing his/her expertise to teach the next generation of doctors. As part of the
multidisciplinary Cancer Center, your doctor works closely with medical and surgical oncology colleagues as
needed, ensuring that you receive excellent, coordinated care.

Through the collaboration of physicians and medical professionals from our hospital as well as those at Dana-
Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, both children and adults
with cancer have access to the latest advances in radiation treatment. As a result, many of our patients have the
opportunity, when appropriate, to participate in clinical trials of truly promising new therapies.

We have resources here that are found in few other hospitals. First and foremost, there is a pioneering and expert
clinical team — from doctors, to nurses, physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapist — that works together
to provide each one of our patients with the safest and highest quality of care. Our state-of-the-art radiation
technologies provide precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Our Francis H.
Burr Proton Therapy Center is the second hospital-based program and currently one of only 15 in the US. Each year,
we successfully treat thousands of patients with noninvasive and minimally invasive internal and external radiation
therapies, including proton beam therapy (with pencil beam scanning), stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body
radiation therapy (SBRT), brachytherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric arc therapy
(VMAT), and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

We realize that excellent patient service depends not only on advanced technology, but also on individualized and
personalized care. At the center of all we do is the person for whom we care — the patient. We are committed to providing
each patient with personalized, compassionate treatment and support. I am proud of the way one of our patients in the
Cancer Center summarized her experience: “I receive not only excellent medical care, but caring care.”

This patient information guide offers a general description of what patients can expect during radiation treatment.
Not all sections may apply to you. As your therapy will be carefully tailored to your diagnosis and specific needs, your
radiation treatment team will explain to you the specific type of treatment you will receive. This pamphlet should
serve only as a guide.

We welcome you as a partner with us in your care and are happy to answer any questions you may have before,
during, and after your treatment. We also thank you for choosing Mass General for your care; it is a responsibility
we take seriously.

Jay S. Loeffler, MD
Chief, Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital 617-726-8650 | massgeneral.org/radiationoncology 2
 WHAT IS RADIATION THERAPY?

Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. The
radiation source may be external (from outside the body) and comes from beams
and x-rays aimed at the cancer; or, the radiation source can be internal (from
inside the body) and comes from radioactive implants. The goal of both external
and internal radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells while limiting the damage
to healthy normal cells around the tumor. Most healthy cells that are damaged by
the radiation can quickly repair themselves.

Radiation therapy is used: TYPES OF RADIATION THERAPY

» Alone, as the only treatment you need Radiation therapy does not hurt. You will not feel the
» Before surgery to shrink the tumor radiation treatments. The type and dosage of radiation
you receive is tailored to treat the type, size, stage,
» During surgery to protect the area around the tumor and location of your cancer. Your medical condition
» After surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells is also considered. Your radiation oncologist will work
» With chemotherapy, which makes the cancer cells closely with all of your cancer doctors and you to plan
more sensitive to radiation treatment the treatment that is best for you.

» After chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells There can be side effects from radiation therapy. Your
» To control symptoms such as pain or bleeding radiation oncologist will discuss these with you before
treatment begins. (A section on side effects is on pg. 9).

We will give you the information you need to make an

informed choice about your treatment plan. Please
ask your team any questions you may have.

EXTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY

External radiation therapy uses a machine called
a linear accelerator to direct beams of high energy
x-rays at your tumor. The machine can change
positions so the beams may enter your body from
any angle. By changing the angle of the beams, your
radiation oncologist is able to match the shape of your
tumor and spare as many healthy cells as possible.

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 No-Exit Dose Proton Beam Therapy
Proton radiation therapy uses energy from the protons
of atoms to destroy cancer cells. A cyclotron produces
these high-energy protons. The beam of proton
radiation can be aimed at a tumor very precisely and
can be concentrated on a tumor with little harm to the
surrounding normal tissues.

Other types of radiation do some harm to normal

tissues as they enter and exit the tumor area. Proton
radiation has an entering dose but no exit dose of
radiation so the nearby normal cells are protected.

TYPES OF EXTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY External radiation treatments do not make you
radioactive. You may go about your normal daily
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
activities. You may have close physical contact with
High precision delivery of a single, high dose radiation
people without worrying that you might expose them
treatment to a brain or spine tumor while sparing
to radiation.
normal surrounding tissue. Special immobilization,
imaging techniques, and equipment are used for this
INTERNAL RADIATION
very focused treatment delivery.
Brachytherapy
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, means
High precision delivery of high dose radiation over that the radiation source is placed inside your body.
2-5 treatments while sparing normal adjacent tissue. These implants hold the source of the radiation and
It is typically used for small lung and liver tumors. can be thin wires, plastic tubes, capsules, or seeds.
SBRT involves special patient immobilization and Brachytherapy or implants can be used with many
imaging techniques. types of cancer.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) With high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, a special
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) uses a machine inserts the radioactive substance into the
computer to combine precise images of the tumor with tumor and rapidly delivers a high dose of radiation.
a special linear accelerator to vary the angle, shape, The machine also removes the radioactive substance
and intensity of the radiation beams to different parts in the treatment room. Usually, patients need several
of the tumor or treatment area. The precision of IMRT daily doses to attain proper treatment levels. This
delivers the maximum dose of radiation to the tumor type of brachytherapy can usually be done on an
while sparing normal tissue around the tumor. IMRT outpatient basis.
is used to treat areas such as the brain, head and neck,
lungs, and prostate. Brachytherapy can sometimes require a short hospital
stay of one to three days. This type of brachytherapy
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) can make you radioactive for a short period of time and
A high precision technique using a special head frame there are special precautions that you must take. Your
to immobilize and position patients during treatment doctor or nurse will make sure you understand the
delivery of certain brain tumors. Unlike SRS, SRT is type of treatment you will have and what you can and
delivered daily over several weeks. cannot do.

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 RADIATION THERAPY

YOUR RADIATION TREATMENT TEAM Nurse Practitioner - A nurse with advanced training
Your radiation oncology treatment team is made up in oncology expertise who works with your doctor and
of many different healthcare professionals. Each nurse to manage treatment-related side effects.
has special training and experience in treating your » Radiation Therapist - A licensed therapist with
type of cancer with radiation therapy. Your treatment specialty training in the fields of radiation physics,
team will work with you to be sure you get the most biology, radiation safety, and computer-aided
effective radiation treatment possible. biophysics. The therapist sets up your daily
radiation treatment, positions you and delivers
The same team members will treat you throughout the prescribed dose of radiation.
your therapy. They will get to know you well and you
will get to know them. You will find that they are » Radiation Physicist - A scientist who helps
interested in you as a whole person and not just in plan the technical part of your treatment. Your
your disease. radiation physicist decides the best shape and
angles for the treatment beams. They make sure
Your treatment team members work and talk with the equipment works as planned and delivers
each other all the time to check your progress and the right amount of radiation.
make certain you get the best possible care. Any » Dosimetrist - A specialist who calculates and
member of your treatment team is available to plans the doses of radiation therapy.
answer questions.

These are the healthcare professionals on your team. SAFETY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

» Radiation Oncologist - Doctors who specialize We provide a safe, secure environment. All of our
in using radiation to treat cancer. They work with equipment is maintained in top condition according
you and your other cancer doctors to develop your to guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts
treatment plan. The radiation oncologist leads your Department of Public Health and the Joint
radiation treatment team and decides which type Commission of Accreditation of Health Care
of radiation and equipment will best treat your type Organizations. In addition, our radiation therapists
of cancer. Throughout your treatment, the radiation check the equipment settings (calibrations) on a
oncologist continues to monitor your progress. daily basis. Our machines are fully shielded so that
significant radiation can reach only a specific area
» Nursing necessary for the treatment of your cancer. Lead
Radiation Oncology Nurse - A nurse with special blocks or shutters protect your healthy tissue.
training in the care and treatment of patients These are custom made to fit the targeted tumor.
with cancer. You can turn to your nurse with any
question or concern you may have. Your nurse will Your treatment plan is reviewed by a team of
talk with you about your radiation treatment and radiation oncologists. They constantly check your
help you manage any symptoms or side effects. status and review your plan throughout your therapy.
Remember, your nurse is the person you should There are several checks and measures at each of
call whenever a question arises. your visits to confirm that the proper area of your
body is being treated and your treatment is going as
planned. (Please see “Planning Your Treatment —
Simulation” on page 6 and “The Treatment Process”
on page 7.)

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WHAT TO EXPECT

YOUR RADIATION CONSULTATION PLANNING YOUR TREATMENT — SIMULATION

Your first visit with the radiation oncologist is called Your radiation oncologist will set-up and plan your
your consultation visit. The radiation oncologist will radiation therapy in a process called “simulation.”
review all your records and pathology reports and The simulation consists of a CT scan or x-rays of the
give you a physical exam. specific area where the tumor is located. Some scans
require the use of a contrast material such as barium
It is important to bring a list of all your medications. or dye or metal markers in or near the area to be
Include all prescription medications, vitamins, treated which makes certain organs visible on the
supplements, and any over-the-counter medications x-ray. With the help of these x-rays and scans, your
that you take. Please write down the dose (strength) radiation oncologist will map out the exact location
of each medicine, how often you take it, and when of your tumor and the area to be treated.
you take it (for example: morning, lunch, evening.)
After the simulation process, your radiation therapist
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any allergies may mark or tattoo your skin. A tattoo is a tiny ink
or if you are pregnant. (Please see “Fertility — dot marker injected under the skin that helps line
During and After Treatment” on page 10.) up the treatment area. These marks or tattoos are
very important because they allow the radiation
Your treatment team wants you to be their partner
therapist to position you the exact same way for
in your care. Helping you understand your diagnosis
each treatment. Do not remove the marks during
and the treatments available to you is the first step.
treatment. However, do not worry if the marks
During this first visit your doctor and nurse will go over
happen to come off. They can be reapplied.
information about your type of cancer, the radiation
treatment choices, and any possible side effects. Part of the simulation or planning session is finding
and recording the best body position for you during
Your radiation oncologist will go over your treatment
your treatment. Special devices, such as molds and
plan. This includes:
masks, can help to keep your body in the correct
» Why the treatment plan is best for you position. The molds and masks are made to fit your
» What it can and cannot do body at the time of the simulation.
» The type and amount of radiation therapy After your simulation, our radiation physicists
you will receive develop a treatment plan based on your radiation
» How the treatment is done oncologist’s design. Once a plan has been made,
your treatment can begin.
» What the side effects of treatment might be

When you understand your treatment plan, you

will be asked to sign a consent form before your
first treatment.

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 TREATMENT

THE TREATMENT PROCESS

When you come for your first radiation treatment,
the daily check-in process will be explained. There
are changing rooms where you can put your personal
belongings. Please leave any valuables at home.
Depending on the area of your body being treated,
you may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

Family or friends may come with you to your

treatment session. They can sit in the waiting area
while you are having treatment. No one will be
allowed in the treatment session.

All of our treatment rooms are private. To help you

relax, you may listen to music. We have a music
selection you can choose from or you can bring
your own.

In the treatment room, your radiation therapist

will check and recheck all of the equipment settings
(calibrations) to make sure your treatment plan is
followed exactly. Using the ink marks or tattoos
YOUR TREATMENT SCHEDULE on your skin, the radiation therapist locates your
The amount of radiation and the number of treatment area. They then review your written record
treatments needed are different for each patient. to place you in the correct position. If a mold or mask
Most patients receive one radiation treatment a day has been custom-made to help with positioning, your
but some patients receive two treatments a day. radiation therapist will place that on or around you.
At the beginning of your therapy, your radiation The radiation therapist will leave the room before
oncologist will give you an estimate of the number the radiation begins. They will watch you constantly
of treatments you will need. Sometimes the number on a television monitor. Using an intercom, the
of treatments you need is adjusted toward the end therapist can hear you and talk with you throughout
of treatment. your radiation treatment. Remember, the radiation
External radiation is usually given in small doses treatments are painless. If you feel uncomfortable
over a period of time, ranging from one day to several for any reason, let your radiation therapist know
weeks. This gives normal cells a chance to recover right away.
and repair. For most patients, radiation treatments During your radiation therapy, you should hold still but
are given daily, five days a week, Monday – Friday. you can breathe normally. You will hear noises coming
The radiation therapist will work with you to arrange from the machine, but you will not see anything.
your treatment schedule. It is very important that you You may leave as soon as your treatment session
keep all of your appointments. If you are not feeling is over.
well, or if there are severe weather problems, please
call 617-726-8650 for instructions.

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HOW WILL I FEEL DURING RADIATION THERAPY? After Your Treatment Program Ends
Radiation therapy does not hurt. You will not even When your treatment program ends, your radiation
feel the radiation. However, there can be side effects oncologist will send a complete report to your
from radiation therapy. Your doctor will discuss these referring physician. You should contact the referring
with you before your treatment. A section on side physician to schedule follow-up exams.
effects is covered on page 9. Your radiation oncologist will also schedule follow-up
Checking Your Treatment Progress appointments with you to monitor your progress.
Your radiation oncologist will see you throughout It is important to keep these follow-up appointments.
your radiation treatment to monitor the effect the Side effects from radiation may continue for weeks or
radiation therapy has on your cancer. During these months after your treatment has ended. It is important
appointments the doctor may: to notify both your referring doctor and your radiation
» Give you a physical exam oncologist if any symptoms or concerns develop after
» Order blood tests your treatment ends.

» Make changes in your treatment plan

» Prescribe medications

These appointments are a good time to ask your

doctor and nurse questions and discuss any
problems or concerns you may have. Write a list
of concerns and questions ahead of time. Having a
family member or friend come with you to the visits
can also help. They can listen and take notes or ask
questions about your care.

You must talk with your doctor or nurse before

you start taking any new prescription medicines,
over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, or vitamins
during your radiation treatment.

617-726-8650 | massgeneral.org/radiationoncology 8
 MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS

The goal of radiation RECOMMENDED SKIN CARE

therapy is to destroy DURING RADIATION TREATMENT
cancer cells but Skin reactions within the treatment area are common
radiation therapy can during radiation therapy. Please follow these skin
also injure or destroy care instructions during your radiation treatment.
normal cells. This can
cause some side effects. » It is important to wash your skin in the treatment
Your radiation oncologist will explain any possible area with warm water and an unscented
side effects before your treatment begins. moisturizing soap, at least once a day. Be gentle.
Do not scrub.
Early or acute side effects from radiation therapy » Pat your skin dry.
can be treated and usually go away a few weeks after
your treatment ends. Fatigue, loss of appetite, and » A mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo) may
skin irritation are examples of acute side effects. be used to wash your scalp if you are receiving
radiation to your head.
Late or long-term side effects may take months or » A mild, unscented moisturizer may be used 2 to
years to develop and can be permanent. For example, 3 times a day (morning, midday, and at bedtime)
high doses of radiation can cause permanent hair to the treatment area. Please see your radiation
loss and damage to the skin in the treatment area. nurse for specific skin product recommendations
You should always tell your treatment team about and instructions.
any symptoms or side effects you have. Your radiation » Deodorants/antiperspirants may be used during
nurse will give you specific information on how to radiation treatment.
manage those side effects. » Do not use anything else on the skin in the
treatment area. For example, after-shave lotion,
perfume, makeup, or powder.
» If you choose to shave, only use an electric razor
in the treatment area.
» Wear loose clothing to avoid friction or tightness
in the treatment area.
» Protect your skin from the sun by applying
sunscreen (at least SPF 50) to the treatment area
before going outside.
» Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you are receiving
radiation to your head or neck.

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 NUTRITION prevent pregnancy. If you are a man in treatment you
You may notice changes should not get your mate pregnant.
in your appetite during Feeling tired can reduce your interest and desire.
your radiation treatment. This is temporary and should go away after you finish
It is very important that your therapy.
you eat well to help
lessen the side effects FERTILITY — DURING & AFTER TREATMENT
of cancer therapy. Eat
foods that are high in For women of child bearing years.
protein and calories to If you are already pregnant or think you might be
maintain your weight pregnant, tell your radiation oncologist before
and strength. You should treatment begins. You should not become pregnant
always check with your doctor or nurse before taking during your treatments because the radiation therapy
vitamins or other supplements. A consult with a could injure your developing baby. Talk with your
nutritionist is available and in some cases required. radiation oncologist about reliable methods of
birth control.
FATIGUE Radiation therapy may affect your future fertility. If you
It is normal for you to feel tired during your treatment. plan to have a child in the future, talk with your doctor
Low energy can be a side effect of your treatments. about the options for preserving your eggs.
Your body is working very hard to heal and repair itself.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep at night. Talk to your For men
nurse or doctor if you are fatigued. Receiving radiation therapy in the area of your testes
can reduce both the number and function of your
If you are working full-time, you may have to adjust sperm. This does not mean that conception cannot
your schedule to part-time or do some work from occur. Talk with your radiation oncologist about
home. Let family members and friends help you with reliable methods of birth control.
daily chores.
Radiation therapy may affect your future fertility. If
Light exercise, like walking, can help you feel less you are concerned about fertility, you should discuss
tired. Ask your doctor or nurse about starting an sperm banking with your radiation oncologist before
exercise program. your treatments begin.

HAIR LOSS FEELINGS AND CONCERNS

Radiation therapy can cause hair loss (also called It is normal for a person with cancer and their family
alopecia) in the area of the body that is being treated. to have worries or concerns. Each person may react
Many patients find that their hair grows back several differently to the stress cancer treatment has on their
months after treatments stop. The new hair may be daily life. You may also have concerns about your
different in color and texture. Whether or not your hair job, parenting, or finances. Sometimes just talking
grows back depends on the type and dose of radiation about these issues can be helpful. Please tell your
you receive and the area of your body that was treated. radiation treatment team about any concerns you may
have. They can find the right people and resources
SEXUAL ACTIVITY to help you. There is a list of Cancer Center staff and
You can be sexually active during radiation treatment programs on the following pages.
but you must use a reliable method of birth control to

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 SUPPORT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

CLINICAL SERVICES The Katherine A. Gallagher

Oncology Social Workers provide support, Integrative Therapies Program
counseling, and resources for radiation oncology The Integrative Therapies program includes a variety
patients and their families. Social workers help with of wellness services and clinical interventions that
emotional issues and other concerns that may come recognize the whole person by increasing patient
up during cancer care. There are also support groups self-awareness and self-care to enhance well-being.
you may join where you can share your feelings with Services include gentle yoga, tai chi, qigong, massage
others going through the same experience. therapy, acupuncture, art therapy, and music therapy.

The Oncology Chaplain can offer spiritual guidance Education Workshops and Support Groups
during treatment. The oncology chaplain also works Designed to help you and your family and caregivers cope
closely with other hospital chaplains of all faiths to with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, these classes
meet the spiritual and religious needs of patients and groups are held on a regular basis.
and families. Look for the monthly workshop and support
Dietitians can help you with eating and nutrition calendar throughout the Cancer Center or online at
during your cancer treatment and recovery. www.massgeneral.org/cancer/supportservices.

Parenting at a Challenging Time (The PACT Program)

SUPPORT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS This parenting program offers individual consultations
to adults with cancer and their spouses/partners to help
them support their children’s coping. The PACT staff
members (child psychiatrists, child psychologists, and
social workers) offer guidance about how to discuss
illness with your children, answer common questions,
prepare children for visits, and how to cope with
concerns about a particular child.

Images Oncology Boutique

Images helps you learn about managing hair loss and
Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Support and Education Hub skin care. It has wigs, hats, breast prostheses, and more
massgeneral.org/cancer/resource-program (located in the Yawkey Building).

Located outside Yawkey 7B, the Hub is intended to General Hair Care Center
be a comforting and welcoming place for patients, This full-service salon offers many services plus
their families, and friends to visit. In the Hub, you can professional hair care and skin care products. It is
learn more about Cancer Center resources and places located in the Blake Building 1st floor next to Blossom
to visit/experience, participate in an educational Street Café.
workshop, find information about supportive care and
emotional needs, meet and talk with other patients A Guide to the Cancer Center
and families, or just take a break and relax. for Patients and Families
Take time to read your patient guide. It has many helpful
resources you should know about.

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GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS

Alopecia - hair loss High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR) - uses

radioactive sources that deliver a larger radiation
BID - twice daily radiation therapy dose per minute. The implant procedure can
Brachytherapy - a method of radiation treatment be completed quickly and can be done on an
where radioactive sources are placed directly in, or outpatient basis
up against, the target tissues. Various techniques Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) -
and instruments are used to safely and accurately a course of radiation where the dosage of each
place, then remove, the source(s) from the body. beam can be regulated, thereby delivering high doses
If brachytherapy is advised, the specific technique of radiation where it is needed most and minimizing
recommended by the radiation oncologist will depend the amount to healthy nearby tissue
on the part of the body to be treated
Internal Radiation Therapy - radiation treatment
Chemotherapy - the treatment of cancer using where the radioactive source is put inside the body;
specific chemical agents or drugs that destroy also called “brachytherapy;” sometimes called
malignant cells and tissues “seed therapy”
CT Scan - sometimes called “CAT” scan, stands for Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) - a single
computerized tomography. It’s a valuable, painless radiation therapy treatment delivered in the operating
diagnostic test that allows radiologists (doctors room during the course of a surgical procedure
who specialize in the use of imaging for diagnosing
diseases) to see inside some areas of the body that Linear Accelerator - a machine that creates
cannot be seen using conventional x-rays. This high-energy radiation to treat cancer
imaging method produces a series of pictures that
are then reconstructed by a computer into cross- Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR) - uses
sectional views radioactive sources that deliver a small radiation
dose per minute. The length of the implant procedure
Dosimetrist - a member of the radiation therapy can take up to several days and requires the patient
team who assists the radiation oncologist and to remain in the hospital
radiation physicist in calculating the proper
radiation dose for treatment Oncology - the branch of medicine that deals with
cancerous tumors
External Radiation Therapy - radiation treatment
delivered from outside the body. You are not Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - diagnostic
radioactive when you receive this type of therapy test that looks at your body’s metabolic activity
and provides important information about your
Fractionated - means divided into parts. Because body’s tissues
the effect of radiation is cumulative, radiation therapy
is divided into small doses to protect healthy cells Proton Therapy - no-exit dose radiation beam
and allow normal tissues or cells affected by the that can be directed to and stopped at the diseased
treatment to heal tissue, sparing surrounding healthy tissue

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 GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS CONTINUED

Radiation Oncologist - a doctor who specializes in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) - a single, high
radiation therapy dose radiation therapy treatment used for some
intracranial tumors. Multiple narrow beams are
Radiation Oncology Nurse - a nurse who specializes used to focus on the target tissue. The patient
in caring for patients undergoing radiation therapy is immobilized for this procedure with a special
halo-type frame, a CT scan is then performed,
Radiation Physicist - a doctoral-level scientist who
a treatment plan is created, and treatment is
helps in the technical planning of radiation treatment
delivered all on the same day
Radiation Therapist - the certified licensed health
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) - utilizes
care professional who administers the radiation
the same approach as SRS, except that the
treatment prescribed by the radiation oncologist
immobilization device is somewhat different
Radiation Therapy - a medical specialty that uses and the radiation dosage is delivered over
high energy x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells many treatment days

Seed Implant Therapy - a source of radiation that is

implanted inside your body in the area to be treated.
The implant may be temporary, during which time
you are radioactive, or the implant may be permanent
and lose its radioactivity over a period of time.
This therapy may also be referred to as “internal
radiation” therapy or “brachytherapy”

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

(SPECT) - a nuclear imaging procedure
similar to PET in that it looks at the body’s
biochemical functions

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HELPFUL HINTS

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointments.

Always bring with you to every appointment:

- Your radiation identification card. You will receive this card on your first visit
- An up-to-date list of medications that you are currently taking
Ask your team if there are special instructions you need to follow.

 Get tips from your doctor and nurse about managing side effects.

We have found that information reduces patients’ fears and helps patients and
families care for themselves. You can get information about radiation therapy by:
- Reading this guide
- Asking your doctor and nurse any questions you have
- Visiting the Blum Cancer Support and Education Hub in the Yawkey Building, outside suite 7B
- Checking out the monthly Cancer Center Calendar for a listing of wellness services and
educational workshops
If you need help getting to other appointments at Mass General, please ask us.

Talk with an oncology social worker about any concerns you may have.
They provide counseling and access to hospital and community resources.

617-726-8650 | massgeneral.org/radiationoncology 14
 Everyday Amazing

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Mass General Radiation Oncology

Department of Radiation Oncology at Emerson Hospital
55 Fruit Street Emerson Hospital Bethke Cancer Center
Boston, MA 02114 131 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner
(617) 726-8650 Concord, MA 01742
www.massgeneral.org/cancer (978) 287-3290

Mass General Cancer Center Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center

at Mass General West in Waltham 102 Endicott Street
52 Second Avenue Danvers, MA 01923
Suite 1110 (978) 882-6060
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 487-6100

Mass General Radiation Oncology

at Newton Wellesley Hospital
Vernon Cancer Center
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
(617) 219-1200

A COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER

An integral part of one of the world’s most distinguished academic medical centers, the Massachusetts
General Hospital Cancer Center is among the leading cancer care providers in the United States.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the Mass General Cancer Center as one of the top ten
cancer centers in the country. Its nurses were the first in Massachusetts to achieve Magnet status from
the American Nurses Credentialing Center in recognition of the hospital’s exceptional nursing care.

Known for providing customized, innovative treatments and compassionate care to both adults and
children, the Cancer Center comprises more than 37 treatment programs within 29 fully integrated,
multidisciplinary disease centers and a vast array of support and educational services. Its network
of affiliations extends throughout New England and the southeastern U.S.

The Cancer Center’s commitment to eradicating cancer is fueled by scientific investigation conducted
as part of one of the largest hospital-based research programs in the nation. Through a powerful synergy
between laboratory scientists and bedside physicians, the Mass General Cancer Center fosters innovation
in all phases of cancer research. Physician investigators conduct nearly 400 clinical trials annually.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is proud to be a founding member of a Harvard
Medical School consortium designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer
center. This prestigious seven-member center forms the largest cancer research collaboration in the
country. The promising new treatments developed through this partnership are revolutionizing the
future of cancer medicine.