Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, honest answers to help you understand your treatment options.
- What is adaptive radiotherapy?
- Adaptive radiotherapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment where the treatment plan is adjusted (adapted) while the patient is on the treatment table by taking daily imaging to see exactly where the tumor and healthy organs are that day.
- How is this different from conventional radiation?
- In conventional radiation, a single plan is created at the beginning and used for all 20 to 45 sessions. Adaptive radiotherapy creates a new, customized plan for every single session based on real-time anatomy.
- Why can the treatment be done in 5 days instead of weeks?
- Because we have absolute certainty about the tumor's location each day, we can safely deliver a much higher dose of radiation per session without damaging nearby healthy tissue. This hypofractionation allows us to complete a full course in typically 5 sessions.
- Is the radiation dose higher overall?
- The total biological dose is comparable to conventional treatment, but it is delivered in fewer, larger fractions. The key is precision — the high dose is tightly sculpted to the tumor.
- What does online vs offline adaptation mean?
- Online adaptation happens while you are on the treatment table — we image, re-plan, and treat within the same session. Offline adaptation means we review images between sessions and adjust the plan for your next visit.
- Are there side effects?
- All radiation therapy carries some risk of side effects. Clinical trials have shown that the extreme precision of adaptive radiotherapy can significantly reduce damage to healthy tissue.
- How long does a daily session take?
- An online adaptive session typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Does insurance cover this?
- Adaptive radiotherapy is covered by Medicare and most major private insurers for approved indications such as prostate, lung, and liver cancers.
- Does it hurt?
- No. The radiation delivery itself is completely painless and invisible, much like getting a standard X-ray or CT scan.
- Am I radioactive afterward?
- No. External beam radiation does not make your body radioactive. You are perfectly safe to be around family and friends immediately after your session.
- What conditions are best suited for this?
- It is highly effective for tumors in the abdomen and pelvis like prostate, pancreas, and liver, as well as lung tumors, brain metastases, and oligometastatic disease.
- How quickly can I start treatment?
- Once you have your initial consultation and simulation appointment, we typically begin treatment within one to two weeks.
- Do I need a referral?
- While many patients are referred by their urologist or oncologist, you can also contact us directly for a second opinion or consultation.