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Radiation Oncology
A highly specialized team of board-certified radiation oncologists, oncology-certified nurses, registered radiation therapists, certified physicists and certified dosimetrists work with advanced equipment to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Sophisticated technology coupled with the expertise of experienced, fellowship-trained physicians allows for the most effective radiation treatments available.
Treatments and technologies available in the Department of Radiation Oncology include:
- CT-Based Simulation
Enables highly detailed, three-dimensional treatment planning. - Image-Guided Radiation Therapy
The newest technique in radiation oncology. Image-guided radiation therapy achieves optimal tumor control with greatest sparing of normal tissue. Portal imaging is performed while the patient lies on the table in treatment position. Margins are continually adjusted in real time to accommodate voluntary and involuntary patient movement. - Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Delivers high, targeted doses of radiation to tumors in the brain, breast, abdomen and genitourinary system with minimal effect on normal surrounding structures. - External-Beam Radiation
Delivered with new Varian linear accelerators and a 120-leaf collimator precisely shapes and direct the radiation beams. - Brachytherapy
Places the source of radiation directly into or adjacent to the cancer site to increase efficacy and reduce side effects. High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a temporary source of internal radiation therapy used in the treatment of Gynecologic, Lung and Gastrointestinal Cancers. Seed implants are a permanent form of brachytherapy used in prostate cancer. - MammoSite® Breast Brachytherapy
Utilizes a single catheter for partial breast radiation in selected Breast Cancer patients. Treatments are normally given twice daily over five treatment days. - Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Uses heat from electromagnetic waves to destroy small, targeted portions of cancerous tissue. It is used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation for liver, kidney, and soft-tissue tumors. Memorial Cancer Institute is one of only a few facilities nationwide performing RFA on lung tumors. - Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Employs pencil-thin beams of radiation to target certain brain tumors as well as benign brain lesions. - Yttrium-90 Microspheres
Tiny pellets of radiation infused into tumors in the liver resulting from metastatic colon cancer.
Dietitians assist with dietary requirements of all patients with special needs based on their disease or medications. The goal is to help the patient maintain weight and stability.
Social workers work with patients to resolve transportation and financial concerns to ensure that all treatments continue on schedule through completion.