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Cancer Services

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (also referred to as radiotherapy or radiation oncology) is the medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.

Approximately 50 percent of cancer patients receive radiation therapy. To assure outstanding care, the cancer center's radiation area houses a brand new Elekta Synergy linear accelerator with cone beam for multiple electron and photon energies. A computerized tomography (CT) simulator providing 4-D simulations and multiple complex setups and a greater field of view allowing us to develop a comprehensive care plan. This technology will allow for even more sophisticated planning and simulation of our patient's radiation therapy treatments.

Patients will be able to receive not only 3d conformal radiation therapy for their tumors, but also IMRT (intensity modulated radiotherapy) which can pinpoint tumors while decreasing radiation to normal tissues. Patients can receive higher radiation doses with far fewer side effects, increasing the probability of cure.

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)

3D-CRT uses special computers to precisely map the location of the tumor. Radiation beams are then shaped and aimed at the tumor from several directions, which makes it less likely to damage normal tissues.

Although the procedure is fairly new, the short-term results suggest that it is at least as effective as standard radiation therapy. Many doctors now recommend using it when it is available. In theory, by aiming the radiation more accurately, doctors can reduce radiation damage to tissues near organs and cure more cancers by increasing the radiation dose to the tumor

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

IMRT is an advanced form of 3D therapy. It uses a computer-driven machine that actually moves around the patient as it delivers radiation. In addition to shaping the beams and aiming them at the tumor from several angles, the intensity (strength) of the beams can be adjusted to minimize the dose reaching the most sensitive normal tissues. This allows doctors to deliver an even higher dose to the cancer areas. Many major hospitals and cancer centers are now able to provide IMRT.

Electronic Portal Imaging and Cone Beam Imaging

This type of imaging assist the radiation therapist and physician to accurately localize daily treatments to better spare the surrounding normal tissue and allow better dosing to the targeted cancer.