Radiation Oncology
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is the careful use of high energy radiation for the treatment of cancer.
The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver a precisely measured dose to the cancerous tumor, while protecting normal tissue around the tumor.
To help insure this, the SOMC Cancer Center offers the latest radiation oncology technology including a new linear accelerator featuring the revolutionary IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. IMRT delivers a more precise dose of radiation to the tumor, protecting outlying tissue. This technology reduces the side effects of radiation treatment and is considered one of the biggest advances in cancer treatment.
Our center also features CT simulation, providing optimum set-up accuracy. This process allows the radiation oncologist to design a treatment plan unique to each patient’s anatomy.
We are proud to be the first cancer facility in the region to achieve the prestigious ACR accreditation in radiation oncology.
Our highly qualified staff includes:
- Board certified radiation oncologists
- Licensed radiation therapists
- Board certified medical physicist
- Board certified dosimetrists
Who is in charge of the patient's radiation treatments?
Radiation oncologists, doctors with special training in radiation therapy, oversee the care of each patient. They develop and prescribe each patient's treatment plan and make sure each treatment is given accurately. They also identify and treat side-effects of the treatment. Radiation oncologists work closely with other physicians and members of the radiation oncology team to ensure the highest quality care.
Prakash B. Patel, MD, and Li-Fen Lien Chang, MD, board certified radiation oncologists are on staff at the SOMC Cancer Center. Both of these physicians have extensive training in the safe use of radiation to treat disease.
Who works with the radiation oncologist?
- Radiation Oncology Nurses
- Medical Dosimetrists
- Radiation Therapists
- Medical Physicist
- Secretary
How is a referral to radiation oncology made?
Referrals to the Radiation Therapy Department of the SOMC Cancer Center can be made by family physicians, surgeons and other medical specialists such as dermatologists, gastroenterologists, gynecologists, pulmonologists and urologists. Referrals may be made by radiation oncologists or medical oncologists from major university cancer treatment centers such as The James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio, and M. D. Anderson in Texas. Patients may also call for an appointment for a second opinion.
How are services paid for?
Most major health insurance companies cover radiation oncology services. Before having consultation or treatment planning, the patient should call the insurance company to ensure coverage. The Radiation Oncology Department of the SOMC Cancer Center is Medicare approved.
Who do you call if you have questions?
Call (740) 356-7490 or toll free 1-888-722-8787 if you have questions.
