Radiation Therapy
When indicated, cancer patients receive radiation treatment by itself, before or after surgery or chemotherapy, or in combination with systemic therapies. This treatment uses high-powered radiation beams to stop cancer growth or to relieve symptoms of the disease.
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Our team of radiation oncology experts uses the most contemporary technology, including high-energy linear accelerators, to target cancer cells. They are highly skilled with the newest, leading-edge methods, including:
- intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), to control beams in multiple, small volumes for precision
- image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), to account and adjust for tumor movements
- Calypso GPS for the Body® system, to provide real-time, continuous tumor positioning through electromagnetic technology
- stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiosurgery (SBRS), to use 3D imaging and focused beams on a targeted location
- accelerated partial breast radiation, to give shorter, faster treatment
- brachytherapy, to deliver treatment internally through a sealed source of radiation
These sophisticated techniques deliver high-powered radiation to precisely focused areas. This lowers the risk to healthy tissue and lessens side effects.
The Rosenfeld Cancer Center at Abington Memorial Hospital has been awarded the ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation for the highest level of quality and patient safety by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). This award, which has a three-year term, is given only after a peer-review evaluation by experts in the field. The review assesses our patient care, treatment and safety, the qualifications of our team, quality control, equipment excellence and more.
Your radiation therapy team at The Rosenfeld Cancer Center includes these treatment specialists:
- radiation oncologist – the physician who evaluates and designs your radiation therapy plan (type, dose, target, duration) and monitors your progress during and after treatment
- radiation physicist – specialist who ensures that linear accelerators and computers are correct before each treatment, so that radiation is delivered accurately
- dosimetrist – professional with expertise in radiation oncology treatment and planning equipment, who generates dose calculations and distributions
- radiation therapist – certified technician who positions you to precisely follow the treatment plan
- radiation therapy nurse – professional in charge of patient education, treatment preparation, drug therapy and help with managing side effects
Radiation therapy is most commonly delivered by a linear accelerator, a machine which is approximately nine feet tall and nearly 15 feet long. The patient lies down on the treatment table and the linear accelerator is moved around the patient for proper positioning. When a linear accelerator is turned on, radiation is produced and aimed directly at cancerous tumors.
Our team is highly trained and dedicated to maintaining safety throughout every radiation therapy treatment. Learn more about our commitment to safety in radiation therapy.
