Radiation Therapy: The Basics
An introduction to radiation therapy, how it works, how it is given and potential side effects.

Radiation Therapy: Which type is right for me?
An overview of the various types of radiation therapy and how one is chosen for your treatment.

Pictorial Overview of the Radiation Therapy Treatment Process
Step by step look at the process of radiation therapy, from consultation to treatment.

After the Treatments are Over
Once your treatments are completed, celebrate! Here are a few things to keep in mind: Any side effects you will have at the end of treatment will usually improve in a few weeks. Continue to eat well balanced meals to help speed the...

Late Effects and Quality of Life after Pelvic Irradiation
Originally Published in the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Nursing, April 1996 Reprinted here with permission from the editor Copyright © 1996 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Nursing Presented at the 13th Annual Symposium of the Society...

Loss of Appetite

Resources
Patient Resources ASTRO (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology) This professional society's website has patient educational materials and a tool to help you find a specialist in your area. American Brachytherapy Society This...

Constipation
What is constipation? Constipation is a decrease in the number of daily bowel movements and/or the difficult passage of hard stool. It may cause discomfort or bleeding from the rectum. This may be caused by decreased fluid and/or food intake,...

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools three or more times a day that may or may not cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen and/or rectum.  Because diarrhea can cause many problems, including dehydration, loss of important nutrients,...

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
This hand-out answers questions about and offers tips for coping with dry mouth (xerostomia) resulting from radiation treatment.

An Introduction to IMRT
Authors: John Bayouth, PhD Juan Carlos Celi, PhD Peter Hoban, PhD Amparo Marles, PhD R. Alfredo C. Siochi, PhD Jack Yang, PhD Reviewed by: Julia Ahlswede, MSc Komanduri Ayyangar, PhD Cheng B. Saw, PhD IMRT Basics R. Alfredo C. Siochi,...

Calypso® 4D Localization System
The latest radiation therapy techniques for cancer treatment allow more precision than ever before. This can translate into fewer side effects and potentially better tumor control as the radiation beam is focused to treat the cancer while avoiding...

HDR for Gynecologic Cancers
HDR is a type of internal radiation given for some uterine or cervical cancers. HDR stands for high dose rate, which means the woman receives a high dose of radiation over a brief period of time, as compared with LDR (low dose rate), in which the...

About Penn Services
About Penn's Department of Radiation Oncology Penn's Radiation Oncology Program offers state-of-the-art evaluation, treatment and follow-up care for patients requiring radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Penn's Department of...

About Radiation Treatment
Radiation treatment uses high-energy particles to destroy or damage cancer cells. Special equipment is used to aim the radiation to the area of the body where there is cancer.The radiation destroys or damages the cancer cells so they cannot grow or...

For all Children Receiving Radiation Therapy
About Treatment Visits At least once a week, you will be seen by a member of your Penn radiation oncology team. These visits are important because they give the team the chance to: Check your child's physical condition Check for any side...