Radiation therapy uses focused high-energy x-rays that penetrate the body to reach and destroy cancerous cells.

Radiation isn't often used to treat GTD, unless it has spread and is not responding to chemo. Then radiation may be used to treat sites where the cancer may be causing pain or other problems. It may also be used when GTD has spread to the brain. If radiation is used, combination chemo is often used as well.

The type of radiation therapy most often used in treating GTD is called external beam radiation therapy. In this type of radiation therapy, the radiation is aimed at the cancer from a machine outside the body. Having this type of radiation therapy is much like having a diagnostic x-ray, except that each treatment lasts longer and the treatments are usually repeated daily over several weeks.

Last Medical Review: 10/13/2009
Last Revised: 10/13/2009