How External Beam Radiation Therapies Treat Cancer

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
External Beam Radiation Therapies And What They Treat

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is a cancer treatment modality that utilises external radiation to kill cancer cells. Treatment Machines called the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) focus precise high-energy beams at cancerous tumours, damaging their DNA while limiting the harm to the healthy tissue adjacent to it.

This kind of radiation therapy in Singapore is used to treat many different types of cancer. Before EBRT is prescribed, the type of cancer, the size of the tumour, the location in the body, and the patient’s general condition and medical history must all be taken into account.

With this information on hand, a Radiation Oncologist is then able to recommend the exact type of EBRT therapy. Different types of EBRT, such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) all have their use in specific situations. The final radiation therapy chosen will take all factors into account.

Of the three, Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), is different in that it doesn’t use high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Instead, it utilises targeted proton beams to deliver precise radiation doses to the tumor cells only, thereby reducing radiation to surrounding healthy tissues and decreasing incidence of side-effects. Read on to find out more about how PBT works and why it is an effective tool in the arsenal to cure cancer.

Proton Beam therapy in Singapore

Proton Beam Therapy (PBT)

While most radiation treatments rely on X-ray radiation, Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) uses high energy protons to destroy cancer cells. 

This provides a significant advantage over conventional treatments as X-rays continue to emit radiation doses as they leave the body. With proton therapy, because of the proton physical characteristics known as the Bragg Peak, there is less radiation dosage outside the tumour itself. This potentially reduces side-effects for patients who are prescribed proton beam therapy over conventional EBRT treatments.

The precision of proton therapy comes from Pencil Beam Scanning, which targets tumours with a narrow proton beam only a few millimetres wide. Tailored to the individual tumour size and shape, the intensity is carefully modulated to deliver accurate doses to the cancer.

One main benefit of proton beam therapy is that it can target tumours too close to challenging areas in the body for other radiation therapy treatments to be as effective. Proton Beam Therapy is most useful for treating tumours that have not spread and are located close to vital organs in the body such as the brain and spinal cord, head and neck tumors and prostate cancer. Children are also ideal candidates as it reduces the chances of damaging healthy growing tissue, which is essential for normal growth.

Proton therapy generally takes place over a number of weeks with each session lasting about a half hour. While the total number of sessions is largely dependent on the size of the tumour and the type of cancer you have, in some cases, the treatment can be completed in about 5 to 30 sessions depending on the cancer type.

Due to the decreased radiation delivery to surrounding healthy tissue, high doses of radiation can be targeted at the cancer itself. This increases the chances of killing all the targeted tumour cells and improving the patient’s condition. However, Proton Beam Therapy requires highly specialised and costly equipment and may not be a viable treatment option for some types of cancers. Please consult your doctor to determine if your cancer is suitable for Proton Beam Therapy

External Beam Radiation Therapy is a well-established treatment modality for many different types of cancers. It is a highly advanced effective treatment modality.

With numerous ongoing clinical studies on the effectiveness of various types of EBRT treatments and proton therapy in Singapore, it’s important to be well-informed and talk to a trusted and highly-experienced Radiation Oncologist and consult on your various treatment options.

Contact us today to book an appointment with Dr Johann Tang for any queries relating to radiation therapy treatment in Singapore.

Related Articles

Read this next ...

doc_img

Dr Johann Tang

Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd
MBBS (Aust), FRANZCR (Radiation Oncology)

Dr Johann Tang is the Senior Consultant and Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd. at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore.  Dr Tang’s journey towards being a radiation oncologist in Singapore started with him obtaining his medical degree from the University of Newcastle, Australia, in 1998 and completing his house officer training at the Hunter Area Health Service before returning to Singapore to complete his National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps. Thereafter, he did his specialty training in Radiation Oncology in Singapore at the National University Hospital (NUH). After obtaining his fellowship from the Royal Australian College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) in 2007, Dr Tang underwent breast brachytherapy fellowships at the University of Wisconsin as well as prostate brachytherapy, skin, and paediatric fellowships at the Peter Maccallum Cancer Institute, Australia. In 2021, Dr Tang underwent a fellowship at the New York Proton Centre with Dr Charles Simone in head and neck, re-irradiation, paediatric, prostate, and lung cancers.

Why Choose Dr Johann Tang

Dr Johann Tang is an experienced radiation oncologist and cancer doctor who aims to deliver the highest level of care to his patients, especially when it comes to radiation therapy and cancer treatment. As a cancer specialist in Singapore, he is dedicated to understanding each patient’s condition and providing holistic, customised care that is both effective and compassionate. With ethics and empathy at the core of our practice, we strive to understand your individual needs and provide care that is compassionate and responsive.

Experienced Radiation Oncologist

Dr Johann Tang is a highly experienced radiation oncologist and cancer specialist in Singapore, with over 20 years of experience treating various cancers in both adults and children and several accolades to his name. Prior to entering private practice, where he is currently a senior consultant and medical director. Dr Tang was at NUH for 18 years, from 2001 to 2019. Dr Tang spearheaded and built up the breast brachytherapy (Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation APBI), outpatient interstitial image-guided cervical brachytherapy, and paediatric radiation therapy services at NUH to provide an array of the latest and best cancer treatment options for patients. As a cancer doctor, Dr Tang is also passionately involved in research, having authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and won several research prizes.

Evidence-based Treatments

Dr Johann Tang and his team utilise technology that has proven to be effective in cancer treatment. Having decades of experience in treating and researching the disease has enabled Dr Tang to remain current and on top of best practices and novel techniques, providing his patients with full assurance that they are receiving the most effective treatment available.

Patient-centered Care

Dr Johann Tang’s patients are his top priority. He journeys with them from diagnosis until the completion of treatment. With Dr Tang, all patients can be fully assured that their clinical needs and well-being are attended to. Dr Tang is also passionately involved in research, having authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and winning several research prizes.

"I guarantee my very best expertise delivered with compassion and dignity as we journey TOGETHER to BEAT this dreaded illness."

- Dr Johann Tang

Make An Enquiry

Got Queries? Book an appointment with Dr Johann Tang by filling up this form. We'll get on a call with you as soon as possible.

Prefer to talk? Call us directly at +65 6690 6811
or email us at drjohanntang@gmail.com

Contact Dr Johann Tang

ME Novena Specialist Group
@ Mt. Elizabeth Novena Hospital

  • 38 Irrawaddy Road #08-36/7/8/9 Singapore 329563
  • drjohanntang@gmail.com
  • Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 12:00pm

    Sat: 8:30am-12:00pm

    Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd
@ Proton Therapy SG

  • Amnios Building 1 Biopolis Drive, #01-01 Singapore 138622
  • drjohanntang@gmail.com
  • Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 12:00pm

    Sat: 8:30am – 1:00pm

    Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

ME Novena Specialist Group
@ Mt Alvernia

  • 820 Thomson Road, #06-65/66 Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre Block D Singapore 574623
  • drjohanntang@gmail.com
  • Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 12:00pm

    Sat: 8:30am-12:00pm

    Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd
@ Farrer Park Hospital

  • 1 Farrer Park Station Road, #11-01 Connexion Singapore 217562
  • drjohanntang@gmail.com
  • Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 12:00pm

    Sat: 8:30am-12:00pm

    Sun & Public Holidays: Closed