Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy the ability of breast cancer cells to live and multiply. It is used following surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after a tumor is removed. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Albert Einstein Cancer Center radiation oncologists and therapists work closely with breast surgeons and radiologists from Einstein's Marion-Louise Saltzman Women's Center to pin-point areas within the breast and lymph nodes for radiation treatment. Together, they meticulously develop precise, customized radiation treatment plans for each patient under their care.

At Einstein, radiation therapy is usually given every weekday for five to six weeks. Each treatment lasts approximately five to ten minutes.

Our caring staff of radiation oncologists helps women overcome breast cancer with the most advanced technology available today including:

Three dimensional (3-D) treatment planning, a recently-developed, high-tech imaging system, that can help radiation oncologists get finely detailed, computer-generated 3-D pictures of tumors and the vital structures and organs that surround them. 3-D treatment planning allows radiation oncologists to direct radiation beams directly on the cancer or tumor bed (if the tumor has already been surgically removed), sparing the normal tissue in the surrounding areas from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Because surrounding tissue is protected, higher, more effective doses of radiation can often be applied to the tumor or tumor bed.

Three dimensional conformal therapy, used with 3-D treatment planning, allows radiation oncologists to program radiation beams so that they will actually conform to the shape of a tumor, further sparing the normal tissue and organs in the surrounding area from radiation exposure.

Radiation oncologists at Albert Einstein Cancer Center are active members in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) , the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)

Through our affiliations with NSABP, RTOG and ECOG, our oncologists are able to offer women with cancer treatment options available only through each organization's special studies and clinical trials. Such options are available only at NSABP, RTOG and ECOG sites.

In 1999, Albert Einstein Medical Center opened the new Albert Einstein Cancer Center, which now houses Einstein's 30-year-old cancer program. Our professional, dedicated staff provide compassionate care in a pleasant, relaxing environment. Albert Einstein Cancer Center offers women with–or at risk for–breast cancer comprehensive care including risk assessments, genetic counseling and prevention strategies as well as advanced treatment options and psychosocial support services.

For more information about Albert Einstein Cancer Center, call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

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