Radiation Oncology
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Overview
Jo Ann Chalal, M.D.
Medical Director
Sangeeta Tyerech, M.D.
Associate Medical DirectorThe Robert J. Moonan Department of Radiation Oncology is dedicated and committed to the delivery of excellent care to the cancer patient.
The latest technology is available to treat patients including IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy), 3DConformal treatment, and brachytherapy (the insertion of radioactive material directly into the tumor). A sophisticated treatment planning system is utilized by the physics staff to determine the best delivery of the planned radiation dose to the targeted tissues.
IMRT is the most sophisticated external beam radiation treatment available to appropriate patients to take full advantage of the need to protect normal tissues while escalating doses to tumor bearing tissues. Multimodality management is common with patients receiving chemotherapy and/or surgery in conjunction with radiation.
The Department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology. This accreditation is requested on a voluntary basis and involves a peer review process of the practice of Radiation Oncology. Subjected to a rigorous review of patient care standards, the Radiation Oncology Department has always received its accreditation without qualification and with the highest accolades, indicating that it provides high quality radiation oncology care.
Preparing to treat a patient with radiation is an extremely complex process. A consultation with a radiation oncologist leads to recommendations for the appropriate course of treatment. Protocol eligibility is always discussed at that time. If treatment is recommended, a series of steps are followed in order for a patient to receive treatment:
Imaging: appropriate imaging studies are obtained depending upon the area(s) to be treated. These may include plain films, bone scans, CT scans, MRIs. All are reviewed by the treating physician.
Simulation: to render treatment, the patient requires marks on the skin overlying the anatomy to be treated. CT simulation is generally performed. This is a CT taken through the relevant anatomy to be treated with the patient in a specific treatment position.
Treatment Planning: utilizing the CT anatomy from the CT simulation, the physicists and physicians consult together to review the treatment goals, outline normal and tumor anatomy, and to determine the best orientation of radiation beams to achieve the desired effect of tumor cell kill while minimizing normal cell damage. Computerized treatment plans and dose calculations are reviewed prior to initiation of treatment.
Verification: prior to initiating treatment and periodically during treatment, x-rays of the treated field are compared with simulation x-rays or digitally reconstructed x-rays (DRR) to ensure reproducibility of daily treatment.
Treatment Delivery: After the physician approves verification films, treatment can start. Treatment times vary with technique, sophistication of treatment delivery, as well as goal of treatment (curative vs. palliative). Treatments are given 5 days weekly, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM and 4 PM with scheduled appointment times.
Physician Visits: patients are seen at least once weekly by the physician and nurse for assessment of general medical condition, response if any to treatment, evaluation of side effects and blood counts. Treatment progress is also reviewed.
Quality Assurance: since radiation cannot be seen, heard, or touched, our QA program involves weekly verification films of all treated fields including patient position and review of prescription and dose delivery.
Services are available Mon-Fri from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
How to Contact
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please call
609-599-5179.
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