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targeted therapies

…or other substances to selectively target proteins or other molecules involved in cancer cell growth. Two types of targeted therapies are drug therapies and immunotherapies. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy affects all cells, but targeted therapies avoid damage to normal cells….

stereotactic radiosurgery

Highly focused, precisely targeted radiation therapy done as a single day treatment.

radiation

Energy in the form of waves or particles, including gamma rays, x-rays and ultraviolet (UV) rays. This energy is harmful to cells and is used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells.

immunotherapy

The prevention or treatment of disease using substances that alter the immune system’s response. This is a type of biological therapy.

ovarian ablation

Stopping the ovaries from producing oestrogen, which is done surgically (oopherectomy) or with radiation therapy.

osteoradionecrosis (ORN)

A breakdown of bone tissue due to radiation therapy treatment.

multileaf collimators

Moveable pieces of metal built into the head of radiation therapy machines to shield normal tissue and organs from the radiation beam.

linear accelerator

A machine used in external radiation therapy to treat cancer.

fraction

The individual, usually once daily, dose of radiation that makes up part of a course of radiation therapy treatment.

chemoradiation

Treatment that combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy.