Radiation therapies
Radiation therapy is a key weapon against many cancers; current technology can target tumor cells with amazing accuracy and improved outcomes.
Legacy's Radiation Oncology services combine advanced techniques and technologies with effective, individualized and compassionate patient care. Our specialized multi-disciplinary team offers a complete program of education, treatment, support and follow-up for patients receiving various radiation therapies.
Legacy Cancer Services, in partnership with Radiation Oncologists, PC, provides state-of-the-art radiation therapies at:
A multidisciplinary team
Treatment with radiation therapy is a team process involving many professional specialists, including:
- Radiation Oncologists - Our physicians who specialize in treating cancer with radiation therapy:
- Radiation Oncology Nurse Practitioner - A registered nurse who has advanced education and training in the treatment of cancer with radiation therapy
- Radiation Oncology Nurse - A registered nurse who has special training in cancer care related to radiation therapy
- Radiation Therapist - A specially trained technician who administers the radiation treatment
- Radiation Physicist and Medical Dosimetrist - Specialists who work with the physician to create an individualized radiation plan for each patient. They also calculate the radiation doses and monitor the treatment equipment.
- Oncology Social Worker - The social worker meets with patients and their families to discuss support services and counseling and makes referrals as appropriate.
Types of radiation therapy
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
An advanced technology that offers extremely accurate, highly customized radiation treatments, with less exposure to normal tissue. Treatment delivery is precise within millimeters, and the ability to image the tumor in three dimensions on a daily basis allows the physician to adapt the therapy as the tumor shape changes with treatment. The system may be used on all types of cancer and is especially suited for cancers of the prostate, spine, lung, and head and neck.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT employs highly sophisticated computer software programs that use a variety of data--including CT and MRI scans-to accurately match the anatomy of the patient and the shape of the tumor. Compared to conventional radiation treatment techniques, IMRT can change the shape of each beam during the treatment. IMRT is primarily used for tumors of the head, neck, prostate, chest and spine.
Novalis® Shaped Beam Surgery (Legacy Good Samaritan only)
This technology provides the most precise targeting of radiation currently available, with consistent accuracy to about 1/80 of an inch. Novalis® treatments are especially suited to tumors in the brain, spine and lungs, though many other tumors may also benefit. Learn more about Novalis®
Conformal External Beam Radiotherapy
The treatment most commonly used, applicable to tumors in any area of the body. The physician generally uses CAT scans to first view the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues in three dimensions. The therapy is then planned to match the shape of the radiation beam to the shape of the tumor.
Brachytherapy (Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel only)
Our technologically advanced brachytherapy program is the largest and most experienced in the region. In brachytherapy, radioactive material is placed in the body in direct contact with the tumor so that healthy tissues, farther from the radiation source, are exposed to a much lower dose. This technique allows more radiation to be given safely and can result in a much shorter and more convenient course of treatment. Used alone or with external radiation, brachytherapy is particularly useful for prostate, breast, gynecologic and soft tissue sarcomas, but it is not appropriate for all patients. Learn more about Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation
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