External Beam Radiation Therapy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Discharge
• Inpatient
• Precare
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

EBRT is used to kill cancer cells or stop them from spreading. EBRT is also used to decrease pain caused by metastasis. Radiation is a very strong type of x-ray. EBRT may be combined with other treatments such as medicine, chemo, or surgery. It is usually done in a hospital or clinic. You may need EBRT every day over a period of several weeks.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your treatment:

• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your treatment sessions.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all your allergies. Include medicines, antibiotics, and contrast liquid.
• You may need x-rays, a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to check the location, shape, and size of your tumor. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these and other tests that you may need. Write down the date, time, and location of each test.

The night before your treatment:

You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. You may, instead, be told to eat healthy foods.

The day of your treatment:

• Take only the medicines you were told to take.
• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

You may be given medicine to help you stay calm and relaxed. Your healthcare provider will position your body for the procedure. Pillows or supports may be used to hold you in place. Shields may be put over you to block radiation exposure to other parts of your body. A machine will send a beam of radiation to the area of the cancer. You should not feel any pain, heat, or tingling during the procedure. Your healthcare provider will stay nearby in a room and you will be able to talk to him or her. Treatment usually lasts up to 15 minutes.

After your treatment:

You will be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• You cannot make it to your treatment on time.
• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your treatment.

Risks

• Normal cells may be damaged by the radiation. This can cause your tissues or organs to stop working properly. Bone marrow cells may be damaged and increase your risk for infections and fatigue. High doses of radiation can weaken your bones and increase your risk for a fracture. Your skin may become red and dry. It may also bleed, flake off, or start to peel.
• You may have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. You may lose your hair. You may become infertile after radiation treatment. Your pain may not go away for days or weeks, or it may return. You may need more treatment.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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