The Cancer Center continually invests in new and innovative technology, and strives to remain at the forefront of new treatments and diagnostic procedures. Our multi-disciplinary treatment approach is designed to ensure that the best possible treatment plan is achieved for each patient. Treatments and therapies are divided into two categories:
- Medical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Medical Oncology
Medical oncology is the study and treatment of cancer with drugs, commonly known as chemotherapy. The Cancer Center's medical oncologist works closely with all members of the oncology team, including surgery, radiation oncology, pain management, social work and nutrition.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA within cancer cells and destroying their ability to reproduce. When the damaged cancer cells are destroyed by radiation, the body naturally eliminates them. Normal cells can be affected by radiation, but they are able to repair themselves. Sometimes radiation therapy is the only treatment that a patient needs. Other times, it is combined with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy can be used in two ways: to cure cancer and to reduce symptoms.
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To cure cancer: Radiation destroys tumors that have not spread to other parts of the body. Radiation also can reduce the risk that cancer will return after surgery or chemotherapy.
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To reduce symptoms: Radiation can shrink tumors that affect quality of life. Radiation also can alleviate pain by reducing the size of a tumor.
The Cancer Center's radiation oncology equipment includes: two linear accelerator units, a CT/simulator, a High Dose Rate Brachytherapy unit and a sophisticated treatment planning computer. The Cancer Center offers Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), an exciting advance in the field of radiation therapy.
To learn more, please call 480.728.3895.
