There are different types of radiotherapy machines that are used. Radiotherapy beams can be adapted to fit the area being treated. This lets doctors deliver the correct radiotherapy dose to the area affected by the cancer while damaging the surrounding healthy tissue as little as possible. This helps reduce side effects.

There are a number of different types of external beam radiotherapy:

• Conformal radiotherapy uses a device inside the radiotherapy machine to shape the radiotherapy beams so that they adjust to the treatment area.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy shapes the radiotherapy beams and allows different doses of radiotherapy to be given to the different parts of the treatment area. This makes it very useful for treating cancers located close to important organs or structures
• Image-guided radiotherapy uses images taken using an x-ray or CT scan machine to show the size, shape, and location of the tumor right before treatment.

Your medical team will decide which type of radiotherapy is most appropriate for you.