Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is the medical specialty that
utilizes radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer and other
diseases. The John D. Cronin Cancer Center offers the most
expansive array of state-of-the-art technology in the region delivered
by a highly experienced staff of radiation oncologists and registered
radiation therapists. This level of care that is only found in major
oncology centers of excellence across the United States. The radiation
oncologists work directly with Ph.D. and masters-level medical
physicists and dosimetrists to design innovative radiation treatments.
Picker AQSim and CMS three-dimensional treatment planning computers are
utilized for the precise optimization of treatment delivery. Simulator Room
Simulation, the first step in the radiation treatment planning process,
uses conventional X-rays and/or a CT scanner simulator to define the
treatment site and direction in which the radiation will be delivered.
The John D. Cronin Cancer Center features advanced computer
technology that enables the radiation oncologists, medical physicists
and dosimetrists to view three-dimensional views of the body, the exact
cancer site(s) and surrounding tissues and organs.Treatment Rooms and Technology
The John D. Cronin Cancer Center has two treatment rooms available.
Treatment Room #1 houses the single-energy linear accelerator,
stereotactic radiosurgery and HDR radioactive source implantation
technology. Treatment Room #2 houses the Siemens PRIMUS Linear
Accelerator, the most sophisticated radiation technology available.
Among the radiation therapy technology available at The John D. Cronin Cancer Center are:
- Dual-energy (electron and photon) linear accelerators, including the Siemens PRIMUS Linear Accelerator, the most sophisticated radiation therapy technology available. The PRIMUS delivers complex radiation treatments referred to as “Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy” with pinpoint accuracy — while minimizing the effects on healthy tissues. Multi-energy electron treatments are offered for superficial treatment areas.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery, a concentrated pencil-thin beam dose of radiation to small areas of the brain including both tumors and venous malformations, allows for a much higher dose while sparing normal brain tissue.
- High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR) delivers a high dose of radiation by inserting a radiation source into tubes or applicators placed within or on a patient. A robot mechanism places and removes the source, negating the need for long hospital stays and discomfort from other types of radioactive implant procedures.
- Interoperative HDR enables surgeons to deliver additional treatment to specific areas at the time of surgery or to areas that have been deemed inoperable once the surgery has begun. This equipment can be taken to the hospital operating room when needed.
- Prostate Implants involve the permanent placement of low-dose radioactive seeds for prostate cancer patients.
