Brain Tumor Program: Radiation Therapy

If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, radiation therapy may be a part of your treatment. Some patients have radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor; others have it after surgery to prevent a tumor from coming back.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation (similar to an X-ray) to destroy tumor cells. This non-invasive treatment breaks up the molecular structure of tumor cells so they cannot reproduce.

Our UCI Health team includes nationally recognized radiation therapy experts (radiation oncologists). We are also one of few programs in the region with additional on-site, full-time experts (medical physicists and dosimetrists) who ensure the safety and accuracy of each brain tumor radiation treatment.

Radiation therapy for brain tumors

We deliver the safest, most advanced radiation therapy treatments with a personalized approach. Our team uses the best available technologies to plan and deliver radiation treatments, including the TrueBeam™ radiotherapy and radiosurgery system.

Highlights of our program include:

• Short, comfortable treatments: New technologies, such as RapidArc™ radiotherapy technology, help us deliver treatments up to eight times faster than ever before.
• Precise targeting: Advanced imaging tests help us accurately pinpoint tumors so that we can target radiation directly at a tumor during treatment, sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
• Team approach: The radiation therapy team meets every week to make sure treatments progress as planned or to adjust plans to meet your changing needs. Our radiation oncologists also participate in meetings with other UCI Health brain tumor experts (tumor board) to help coordinate additional treatments. We are deeply invested in helping you get the best possible care, which is why our radiation oncologist meets with you every week. Meet our team ›
• Advanced research: We are exploring new techniques and technologies to make radiation therapy safer and more precise. We are one of the first centers in the nation to offer volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), a new technique that delivers a full dose of radiation in just two minutes. Find out more about research and clinical trials ›
• Patient support: Whenever you have questions or concerns, we are here for you. You can call our radiation oncologists at any time. We also offer a broad range of support services, including referrals to community resources such as meal delivery services, to make life less stressful during treatment. Learn more about our patient support services ›

Radiation therapy: technologies we use

Our commitment to using the best available radiation therapy techniques means you receive life-saving care faster and with greater accuracy than ever before. The technologies we use are precise, detecting even the slightest change in head positioning to redirect treatments to the exact location of the tumor.

Radiation therapy technologies include:

• TrueBeam™: We are the only hospital in Orange County offering the TrueBeam stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery system. TrueBeam uses real-time, three-dimensional imaging and targeting technologies to sculpt beams that match the exact shape of the tumor. Read more about the TrueBeam Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery System ›
• RapidArc™ Radiotherapy Technology:  As one of the first centers in the nation offering volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with the help of RapidArc™, we can deliver the full dose of radiation while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy organs. Treatments take as little as two minutes. Watch this video to see how RapidArc radiotherapy works ›

UCI Health physicians also have access to the following technologies:

• Gamma Knife®: The Gamma Knife device uses precise beams of high-energy radiation (gamma rays) to destroy tumors. With Gamma Knife, multiple beams of gamma rays merge to focus on the tumor, providing a very intense dose of radiation in a safe manner. Learn more about Gamma Knife radiosurgery ›
• CyberKnife®: The CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery system delivers highly focused beams of radiation with significantly less radiation to the surrounding normal tissue. Unlike GammaKnife, CyberKnife delivers treatment using multiple beams to ensure a higher level of accuracy.

Contact us

To schedule an appointment, call 714-456-8000 or fill out an online request form. You may also send us an email.

Our 24-hour promise: If you are a new patient, one of our brain tumor physicians will return your call within 24 hours. You can be seen in our offices within 48 hours after insurance approval.