Virtual Tour

Photon (X-ray) Therapy and Simulation

Photon (x-ray) therapy is used in conjunction with proton therapy to irradiate potential sites of microscopic disease in regions surrounding the main tumor. Depending on the type of disease, a patient may be at risk of harboring microscopic cancer cells. Photons (x-rays) allow broad irradiation of these areas at doses sufficient to kill the microscopic disease. Protons are targeted on the primary site to eradicate the main tumor. Simulation is part of the planning process for photon radiation therapy. It involves the use of a simulator or an x-ray machine similar to the linear accelerator used in proton treatment. The simulator is the same size as the linear accelerator and it can rotate 360 degrees, allowing simulation from any angle. Patients lie in the same position as during treatment.