Electron Beam Therapy

Ideal for shallow and surface tumors, especially certain skin cancers. Electron beams offer precise skin-level treatment with minimal penetration into deeper tissues.

What is Electron Beam Therapy?

Electron Beam Therapy (EBT) is a specialized form of external radiation used primarily for treating shallow tumors and surface-level cancers. Unlike traditional radiation that penetrates deep into the body, electron beams deposit their energy close to the surface—making them ideal for skin cancers and tumors that do not extend far beneath the skin.

How It Works

Superficial Penetration

Electron beams gradually lose energy as they travel through tissue. They are designed to stop at a certain depth—delivering the full therapeutic dose to the surface or just below, while sparing deeper healthy tissues and organs.

Customized Depth Control

Your care team selects an energy level that matches the depth of your tumor. This ensures radiation is concentrated where needed—without affecting surrounding structures.

Delivered via Linear Accelerator

The same high-precision equipment used in other forms of radiation therapy is used to deliver electron beams. With image guidance and precise targeting, EBT is both effective and safe.

Benefits of Electron Beam Therapy

Ideal for Surface-Level Tumors

Especially effective for non-melanoma skin cancers, chest wall recurrences, and select lymph node areas.

Minimal Deep Tissue Exposure

Reduces radiation to internal organs, muscles, and bones.

Quick, Painless Treatments

Sessions are typically brief, non-invasive, and well tolerated.

High Dose Precision:

Concentrated treatment allows for effective tumor control with fewer side effects.

Common Uses for EBT

Electron Beam Therapy is commonly used to treat:

Basal cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Kaposi sarcoma

Keloids (as a preventive post-surgical therapy)

Superficial lymph nodes or chest wall tumors

Scar and skin recurrence sites

What to Expect During Treatment

Simulation & Planning

A planning session may include a CT scan or surface mapping to determine the ideal depth and angle of treatment.

Shielding for Protection

Surrounding tissue may be protected with lead or custom shields during treatment.

Short Sessions

Most EBT treatments take just a few minutes per session and require no downtime.

Treatment Schedule

Depending on your condition, you may receive a few treatments over a short period or a full course spanning multiple weeks.

Learn More About Radiant Cancer Center

With our office based out of Rancho Mirage, our treatment center is conveniently located to serve the entire Coachella Valley.

Every step of your care is monitored and adjusted to ensure the highest accuracy.

Other Services We Offer

Interested in exploring other precision-focused radiation therapies?

Intensity‑Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Advanced radiation treatment designed to target tumors with precision while protecting healthy tissue.

Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)

Uses 3D camera systems to monitor patient surface motion in real-time. SGRT enhances accuracy and safety by automatically pausing treatment if movement exceeds designated thresholds.

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Utilizes advanced imaging (e.g., CT, MRI, PET) before and during treatment to ensure radiation targets the exact tumor location, reducing margins and improving accuracy.