Radiation therapy

We are equipped with tools to give you a more convenient and comfortable experience during radiation treatment. We use image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to deliver more accurate treatments and reduce exposure to normal tissue. This allows daily adjustments to be made to your setup to ensure the most accurate treatment delivery.

If you have been diagnosed with brain tumors, you can now receive stereotactic radiosurgery. This treatment allows high doses of radiation to be delivered without the need for surgical intervention.

Most patients never get an opportunity to see how their treatment plan is created. This process requires advanced computers and planning systems to compute the proper dose and limits its exposure to noncritical structures. Our cancer center uses a treatment planning system which allows our staff to view fully computerized tomography (CT) data sets, fuse images with other modalities, as well as calculate complex IMRT plans. With the latest software releases, Sarah Cannon ensures that you're treated with the most up to date technology in order to receive the best possible outcome.

We have two high-energy linear accelerators that use X-rays and electrons to kill cancer cells. Each of these units contain a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) system that allows the radiation to target tumor cells and protect normal tissue.

The linear accelerators are also used in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a highly precise form of treatment that can be used to target prostate, breast, pancreatic and gynecologic tumors.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is the process of using radioactive isotopes to treat cancer. In addition to offering external beam radiation, we offer a host of brachytherapy options to aid in the fight against cancer. Your radiation oncologist will determine if brachytherapy is an appropriate course of treatment or should be used in conjunction with external beam radiation. Cancers commonly treated using brachytherapy include prostate, breast, lung and various gynecological cancers.

High-dose-rate electronic brachytherapy

For certain types of breast, skin or gynecologic cancer, we use a high dose rate electronic brachytherapy, a lower-radiation treatment. This technology is a more convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional radiation therapy, which often requires multiple rounds of treatment while being isolated in a lead-lined vault.

As an intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) option, this method allows you to receive radiation therapy at the same time as a surgical procedure and possibly receive your entire cancer treatment in as little as one day.

We use advanced systems and technology to personalize complex treatment plans. Though no two experiences are exactly alike, most radiation therapy involves similar components, including consultations and post-treatment follow-ups.

Consultation and simulation

At your consultation, you'll fill out a health questionnaire and perform a health assessment that includes a review of your current symptoms. Your radiation oncologist will then review your history, X-rays, laboratory (lab) results, pathology reports and any additional information before performing a complete physical assessment. Afterwards, you'll participate in a "mapping" process called simulation. A CT scan or a series of X-rays are used to construct your radiation treatment plan. During the exam, small marks will be drawn on your skin in order to mark which area should be treated.

After simulation, you will return for another procedure known as verification. This involves a series of X-rays in order to verify that you are in the correct position for the treatment plan to be delivered. Any marks placed during simulation will be "tattooed" during verification or within the first few days of treatment. This process is virtually painless and will allow our staff to position you accurately on a daily basis. Verification takes place on digital imaging devices, such as a linear accelerator, for a faster process.

Treatment

The duration of each treatment course will vary depending on the type of cancer you have and the treatment plan that was developed. Each day you will lie down on the table in the linear accelerator vault to be positioned. The accelerator will move around you during the treatment in order to deliver the radiation to preset locations. You will not feel anything during this time. The machine will make a slight buzzing sound while it operates. Once the treatment is complete you will be assisted off the table and be able to continue on with your normal routine.

Once a week, you will have scheduled time in an exam room following your radiation treatment. You will be evaluated to see how you are managing pain and tolerating your treatment. You will then perform a physical examination. Again, your family is welcome and encouraged to be with you during that time.

Post-treatment follow-up

Your follow-up appointments are important to your cancer journey. We schedule you one month after the completion of your radiation therapy and then every three to four months for the first two to three years. We will continue to order X-rays, scans, labs or other additional tests, as needed.

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (352) 339-7000 or learn more about askSARAH online.