What is EBRT?
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a type of radiation therapy that directs a beam of radiation from outside the body at cancerous tissues inside the body.
How it works
EBRT delivers high-energy rays to tumors, using a special X-ray machine called a linear accelerator. This machine allows radiation to be delivered from any angle and shapes radiation beams to the contour of the tumor.
Our radiation oncologists use EBRT to target a tumor with higher, more precise doses of radiation, while minimizing damage to your healthy tissue and nearby organs. As a result, EBRT can reduce the risk of side effects typically associated with radiation treatment.
EBRT is typically administered daily over a period of six to eight weeks. Each treatment takes a few minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure.
EBRT for multiple myeloma
For multiple myeloma patients, EBRT can be used to destroy myeloma cells and stop them from growing, and also to help reduce pain from bone damage.
Specific advantages of EBRT for multiple myeloma include the following:
- It’s a fast, painless outpatient procedure. A typical radiation treatment lasts a few minutes.
- Unlike chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, EBRT for Hodgkin lymphoma is targeted to a specific area.
- By targeting tumors with higher doses of radiation, EBRT helps minimize damage to healthy tissues and reduce side effects.
Helping you maintain your quality of life
Your care team anticipates and proactively manages the side effects of radiation therapy for multiple myeloma. Before, during and after your treatment, you’ll receive integrative oncology services (e.g., nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management, oncology rehabilitation) designed to keep you strong and nutritionally fortified, reduce the side effects of radiation and promote your overall well-being.