Brooks Memorial Hospital

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy or radio therapy is a remarkable technology to arrest the growth of cancerous cells by using painless, high energy rays emitted by sophisticated machines called linear accelerators. Because cancer cells reproduce more rapidly than normal cells, a cancer cell exposed to radiation when it is reproducing will fail to divide and will subsequently die. Healthy cells, on the other hand, have the ability to repair radiation damage and will continue to grow normally.

 

Treatment Steps

Your first few visits will determine the steps involved in radiation therapy. An X-ray unit called a Simulator will measure and pinpoint the exact area to be treated. When surrounding vital organs must be protected, special lead blocks are custom made for each patient.

 

CT scans may be reordered to determine the volume of the area to be treated, and your physician will prescribe the radiation dosage. A Brooks physicist will use a treatment planning computer to calculate the precise application, then actual treatment begins.

 

Treatment

Radiation therapy treatments are usually conducted over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Each session lasts only a few minutes, and you lie comfortably on a table under the linear Accelerator. Exact doses are delivered and monitored, with patient positions being verified with X-ray films. You will be alone in the room during treatment, but your progress will be carefully monitored via closed circuit TV and intercom.

 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells either by itself or in combination with surgery or radiotherapy for cancer treatment. The drugs may be administered orally, by injection or intravenously.

 

Chemotherapy treatment areas are designed so you may receive your medication in a reclining chair, and family members may accompany you if you desire. All procedures of your individualized treatment program will be carefully explained at each stage.

 

Preparation

You may wish to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to slip on and off. A patient gown will be provided.

 

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about your therapy, feel free to discuss them with your physician or any member of the Brooks Memorial Radiation team. Brooks' patients can feel confident that they're receiving the highest quality care with state of the art cancer treatment equipment. The technological advancement represented by our instruments is unique to this part of the state.

 

You should feel confident in knowing that Brooks' cancer care experts include radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, physicians and a professional staff of the highest caliber of skill and dedication.

 

LOCATION

Ground Floor

PHONE

(716) 363-3950

 

Radiation Therapy Coordinator

Dianna Holtz

 

HOURS

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LINKS

BMH Cancer Center

Radiation Oncology Group