At City of Hope Atlanta, our Department of Radiation Oncology is staffed by a group of experienced cancer experts. Here, radiation oncologists work closely with other departments, including the Department of Radiology & Imaging, to deliver comprehensive cancer treatment. The Radiation Oncology Department also includes physicists, dosimetrists, nurses and radiation therapists.
Our radiation oncologists use innovative technologies to deliver high radiation doses to tumors, while working to spare damage to healthy tissues and organs. Focusing radiation directly to the tumor helps reduce the risk of side effects. We also use various techniques to relieve certain cancer-related symptoms.
If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, you'll meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss the specific therapies available. Your radiation oncologist will thoroughly review your medical history, imaging and diagnostic tests (e.g., CT scans, PET/CT scans, MRIs).
Factors he or she will also consider when designing your treatment plan include the type, size and location of the tumor(s) and whether you have undergone previous treatments, and if so, the dosage of radiation you received. Your radiation oncologist will also take into account other medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and/or heart disease.
We are committed to delivering advanced, targeted treatments, including options for those who may have reached their maximum dosage with traditional radiation.
Because each cancer type requires a different approach, your treatment plan will be based on your unique needs and treatment goals. Radiation treatments may be included in your individualized treatment plan:
Throughout your treatment, our radiation oncology team will answer your questions to help you feel comfortable with your care plan.
Your well-being is at the center of everything we do. In addition to getting access to our radiation technologies, you’ll be treated by a team of clinicians from areas like nutrition therapy and oncology rehabilitation, all working together to meet your needs. This approach helps us plan for side effects from the start, and quickly address symptoms you may experience.
Radiation oncology is a field of cancer care that uses radiation therapy, or high-energy radiation, to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells. The goal of radiation therapy is to spare damage to normal, healthy cells whenever possible while targeting radiation doses directly to tumors. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatment options. Radiation therapy timing often depends on the type of cancer being treated, the location of the tumor and the goal of treatment.
A radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer using radiation therapy, including high-energy radiation and/or radioactive substances. At City of Hope, our radiation oncologists are experienced in using advanced technologies to deliver targeted radiation therapy while also proactively managing side effects. Radiation oncologists at City of Hope determine the type, dose and placement of radiation, administer the radiation, and monitor the number and length of treatments. Radiation therapy may be delivered by a machine outside the body (external radiation) or from radioactive material placed directly into or near a tumor (internal radiation).
Our radiation oncologists work closely with you and the rest of your care team to deliver radiation therapy based on your individual needs. Throughout your treatment, your radiation oncologist will monitor how the radiation therapy is working and modify your treatment plan accordingly.
