External Beam Radiation Therapy Used to treat many types of
cancer, external beam radiation therapy uses a linear
accelerator, or high-energy X-ray machine, to direct radiation
to the tumor. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes,
usually for five days a week, over the course of six to eight
weeks. Before radiation treatment begins, a planning session or
simulation is required to pinpoint the tumor and determine the
treatment series. Simulation may take up to an hour. External
beam radiation therapy poses no risk of radioactivity to the
patient or to those with whom he or she comes in contact.
Patients can continue normal activities with family and friends.
In the case of prostate cancer, radiation works more effectively
on small and moderately sized prostate glands. Men with very
large prostate glands often undergo a 3- to 6-month course of
hormone therapy to shrink the prostate gland before radiation
therapy.