Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment that can be used on its own or in combination with other methods, such as surgery or chemotherapy. At the Cancer Center of Southern California, targeted radiation, whether used alone or as part of a multimodal plan, is carefully designed to shrink tumors, protect healthy tissue, and harmonize with chemotherapy or surgery.
Our team has extensive experience collaborating with radiotherapy oncologists to ensure a comprehensive and effective care plan for you. Our goal is to provide precise, expertly coordinated care that aligns with your individual cancer journey.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, uses high-energy X-rays or particles to damage cancer cells, preventing them from growing and reproducing. During treatment, we use radiation to sterilize tumor cells and prevent them from multiplying.
It can be used flexibly at various stages of your treatment journey: before, during, or after surgery, or even as a standalone treatment option. The primary goal of radiotherapy is to effectively control localized tumors.
Precision Radiation Techniques
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we ensure you have access to a variety of precise radiation techniques. We work with the best specialists in the following radiation techniques to identify the right option for you.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivered from outside the body, EBRT targets an area slightly beyond the tumor's margin to ensure all tumor cells are targeted. This minimally disruptive, outpatient treatment is typically administered in short sessions over seven to eight weeks.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A state-of-the-art technique that shapes radiation beams for three-dimensional precision, this is particularly ideal for tumors near critical organs when standard dosage approaches might be insufficient.
- Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy delivers internal radiation by implanting "seeds" or other sources directly adjacent to the tumor. This technique can offer high-dose control while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
How We Collaborate with Radiotherapy Oncologists
A radiotherapy oncologist specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. They typically work with other practitioners to determine the best treatment site, dosage, and timing for each cancer patient.
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we look at radiation as one of many tools within a customized treatment strategy. We coordinate your care so each treatment option works together and has the most impact for treating your cancer.
Dr. Chawla and our team of experts coordinate closely with external radiotherapy oncologists to determine the best sequence for your treatments. This helps determine whether we use radiation before surgery, or after chemotherapy, to get the best possible outcome for you. This collaboration ensures your plan is fully integrated and designed for maximum benefit.
Our Personalized, Multimodal Care
Every treatment plan that involves radiation therapy is tailored to your unique circumstances, including your tumor's stage, location, and pathology, as well as your overall health. Your treatment is delivered as part of a broader, multimodal care plan that may include chemotherapy, surgery, clinical trials, and supportive care, all with your well-being at the forefront.
Second Opinions
If you've already received a treatment plan but want to explore every option before proceeding, our oncology team can help. We welcome patients seeking second opinions.
Getting a second opinion isn’t a sign of doubt. It is part of responsible, informed care. Especially if you’re facing complex or advanced cancer, a second perspective can reveal critical pathways, new treatment possibilities, or validation of your current plan.
Dr. Chawla is an internationally recognized authority on cancer treatment and can help you determine whether your treatment plan is the most favorable for you. Our team will review your diagnosis, imaging, and treatment recommendations and help ensure you're making the most informed choice.
Side-Effect Mitigation & Skin Care
Radiation can irritate the skin, but proactive care helps minimize discomfort. We recommend practical, gentle recommendations to help you manage these side effects:
Wash the treatment area with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.
Avoid using heating or cooling pads on the treatment area.
Wear loose, breathable clothing.
Apply aloe-based gel twice daily and use sun protection after treatment.
These simple steps can help manage common reactions like redness, peeling, or tenderness.
Chemotherapy & Radiation Integration
Radiotherapy often complements chemotherapy and surgery. Your treatment strategy may include neoadjuvant radiation (before surgery) or adjuvant radiation (after surgery or chemo). We may also use standalone radiation in select cases.
The timing is always based on your tumor's response and your treatment goals.
When you choose the Cancer Center of Southern California, we ensure you get more than a treatment plan. We build a comprehensive partnership with our patients, offering seamless coordination across surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation oncology teams.
Our focus is not just on treating the disease, but on sustaining your well-being throughout your journey. Our team is recognized for our ability to integrate innovatively targeted and research-backed treatments.
Take the Next Step in Your Care
When every treatment choice matters, you deserve radiation care guided by advanced expertise and delivered with empathy. At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we promise fast access to leading oncologists, coordinated planning, and a team that honors both your journey and wellbeing.
Our oncologists are internationally known for their expertise in some of the most advanced drug therapeutics and solutions for the most favorable outcomes.
For appointments, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
