Radiation center of excellence

While undergoing treatment, patients become like family to our multidisciplinary radiation oncology team. The team includes radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses and technologists, all working together on customized treatment plans.

Sophisticated imaging technologies perform 3 - D computerized mapping of exact tumor dimensions that help guide therapy by targeting tumors with precise doses of radiation. Physicians receive critical information to assess and reassess treatment as it progresses.

Radiation is a type of energy used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. New technology provides options for delivering the radiation depending on the size and location of the tumor. At CHI Memorial, we have the most up - to - date cancer treatment machines in the industry. We have the True Beam STX , Novalis TX , and the Siemen’s primus linear accelerators. These machines use radiation to treat the patient’s tumor. The True Beam machine is the most advanced and performs many forms of radiotherapy. These include intensity - modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image guided radiotherapy (IGRT). IMRT is a treatment technique where doctors are able to customize your radiation dose by varying (or modulating) the amount of radiation that is sent to different parts of your tumor. IGRT uses advanced imaging so doctors and clinicians can visualize your tumor. This allows them to verify the exact position of the tumor and treat it precisely each day.

Radiosurgery is also a form of radiation delivery procedure that precisely delivers large radiation doses to tumors and other relevant anatomical targets in one to five treatments. The goal of this non - invasive procedure is to destroy, or make inactive, the target anatomy while minimizing dose exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. Radio surgery began by treating targets in the brain and has now extended to targets in the spine and other organs in the body. Since these involve a small number of treatments, they are generally completed within the same week.

All of the treatments are prescribed by your radiation oncologist and customized to your specific tumor. Each tumor is different, but our True Beam machine can shape the radiation beam to accurately match the size and form of any tumor regardless of its shape.

High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy or Mammosite treatments deliver radiation internally with a radiation source implanted near the tumor site. Both of these treatments protect healthy tissue.

An atmosphere of respect and genuine caring surrounds patients and families at CHI Memorial’s Radiation Center of Excellence. Professional staff and volunteers provide information about your treatment, offer refreshments or assist with transportation. We are all on your team.

Our attitude of service reflects CHI Memorial’s holistic care for mind, body and spirit. Additional free assistance is available through our Centers for Cancer Support from chaplains, social workers, dietitians, educators and administrative staff.

For more information about cancer support services, call (423) 495-7778.