EBRT is the conventional technique for administering radiation therapy to the brain, but stereotactic radiosurgery has also become a standard treatment. The most recent advance in the radiation treatment of brain tumors is the brachytherapy technique called GliaSite radiotherapy system, which involves placing a balloon in or near the tumor during surgery and then passing a radioactive material into the balloon for treatment. Read more...

Radiation therapy can be externally or internally delivered to the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivers radiation from a machine outside the body, called a linear accelerator. EBRT treatments are typically delivered 5 days a week, for 2-6 weeks, depending on the overall goals of treatment and each treatment lasts between 10-15 minutes. The internal delivery of radiation therapy (brachytherapy) involves the placement of a radioactive isotope, such as iridium 192, within the esophagus. Read more...

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer of the bone. It is the third most common malignancy in children and adolescents, accounting for approximately 5% of all cancers in these age groups. In children and adolescents, 50% of osteosarcomas arise from the bones around the knee. The cause of most cases of osteosarcoma is unknown although a genetic predisposition is suspected. Read more...

A variety of factors ultimately influence a patient’s decision to receive treatment of cancer. The purpose of receiving cancer treatment may be to improve symptoms through local control of the cancer, increase a patient’s chance of cure, or prolong a patient’s survival. The potential benefits of receiving cancer treatment must be carefully balanced with the potential risks of receiving cancer treatment. Read more...

Wilm' tumor is a rare childhood cancer of the kidney that affects roughly 500 children in the U.S. each year. Survival is generally quite good, with more than 90% of children surviving for at least four years after diagnosis. Treatment often involves surgery and chemotherapy and may also involve radiation therapy. Read more...

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. Metastatic melanoma refers to cancer that has spread from its site of origin to distant, often invading vital organs such as the brain or liver. Patients with metastatic melanoma are often considered incurable and receive treatment to improve quality of life and/or duration of survival. Melanoma tends to respond poorly to most traditional treatments. Read more...

Melanoma is a cancer of the skin that usually begins in the form of a mole. The cancer can grow deep into the skin and spread to different parts of the body through blood or lymph vessels. It usually spreads first to lymph nodes that are near the site of cancer origin and when advanced, can spread to organs and other lymph nodes throughout the body. Read more...

Skin cancers, which include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, occur more commonly than any other type of cancer. In general, basal cell carcinomas and the most common squamous cell carcinomas are related to chronic sun exposure and are cured by surgical removal. Melanoma is a potentially fatal type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, which are the cells that are responsible for skin color. Read more...