External beam radiotherapy (EBRT)
Radiotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells without causing too much damage to healthy cells. External beam radiotherapy is high-energy X-ray beams targeted at the treatment site from outside the body.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
Targeted treatment to destroy cancer cells
Treatment overview
The external beam radiotherapy's high-energy X-ray beams damage the cancer cells and stop them from growing and spreading to other parts of the body.
Radiotherapy permanently damages and kills the cancer cells, but healthy cells can repair themselves and recover more easily.
The radiotherapy machine does not usually touch you. Treatment usually only takes a few minutes and is not painful.
This treatment is normally given as a number of short, daily treatments in a radiotherapy department. These are called treatment sessions or fractions.
It is given using a machine that looks like a large x-ray machine.
You usually have radiotherapy as an outpatient, but it is sometimes given as an inpatient if you are feeling unwell.
The number of treatment sessions you have will depend on the type of cancer you have and the aim of the treatment.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
Using a CT scan, the radiation dose is targeted to the correct area of the body. External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) directs x-rays not only at the tumour but also, unavoidably, at nearby healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy treatment regimens and plans are designed to deliver a higher dose of radiation to the cancer without causing so much damage to surrounding healthy tissues whilst giving the best Radiobiological effect.
The treatment itself is given by therapeutic radiographers. You will be positioned carefully on a treatment couch a short distance away from the treatment machine.
Sometimes, an attachment to the machine will rest on your skin during treatment, otherwise there is nothing to feel from the treatment.
Treatments last for a few minutes and you will be alone in the treatment room while the machine is switched on.
The radiographers are just outside the room, watching you on CCTV monitors, and there is a microphone and speaker if you wish to speak to them during your treatment.
Your treatment may involve moving the machine to several different positions.
This treatment does not make you radioactive.