Radiation Oncology

Center for Radiation Oncology

At Weiss Memorial Hospital’s Center for Radiation Oncology, we provide radiation therapy treatment using state-of-the-art medical technology in a warm and caring environment.

Our experienced staff of nurses and doctors is here to listen to your concerns, and work hard to meet your needs. Our radiation oncology team uses intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technology to precisely target cancerous tumors, offering maximum protection of surrounding healthy tissues. Such treatment provides the highest probability of cure and lowest complication rate. Our patients also have access to Cyberknife Radiosurgery Treatment.

Consultation With a Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist

Weiss’ radiation oncology medical team consists of a board-certified radiation oncologist doctor, two American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) radiation therapists, a radiation oncology nurse, a medical physicist, and a department secretary. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

For your convenience, consultations with a radiation oncologist are available Monday-Friday. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about your treatment options and radiation treatments in general. Side effects, treatment schedule, and outcomes will be discussed in depth. We will also provide you with a wealth of literature about treatment and possible side effects. Second opinions are available.

Personalized Treatment Planning and Simulation

Once you make the decision to begin radiation treatment, you’ll be scheduled for a planning session and simulation. The simulation includes a short CT scan of the cancer area and skin marking. The images from this study are used for treatment planning and dose calculation. MRI and PET scan images may also be used for more accurate tumor delineation.

The treatment planning may take several hours to several days depending on the complexity of the cancer. When your personalized plan is ready, you’ll be invited to undergo a second simulation, also called a treatment plan verification. During this appointment, we will conduct a dry run in the treatment room and you will have additional scans that will be used to fine-tune your treatment plan.

What to Expect During Treatment

In an effort to minimize disruption to your daily routine, you’ll be able to schedule radiation treatment times that are convenient for you. The treatments usually last 15 to 20 minutes, are noninvasive, and do not cause pain. You should expect to be treated on a daily basis, Monday through Friday, and receive the same dosage every day.

If you’re receiving chemotherapy in addition to radiation therapy, the radiation oncologist will work closely with your oncologist to schedule treatments in a timely fashion. A weekly visit with the doctor or medical team to discuss treatment provides an opportunity for you to ask questions and for the doctor to document your progress.  Feel free to bring your family or other members of your support team to these meetings.