The radiation oncology specialists at the Saint Francis Cancer Centers are committed to using the most sophisticated radiation technologies available today. Working in close collaboration with other cancer specialists, our team’s first priority is to ensure our patients receive treatment plans that are safe and effective.
Understanding Radiation Oncology
The radiation used for cancer treatment is a concentrated amount of radiation that is externally directed to where the cancer-producing cells are. A patient may receive radiation therapy before or after surgery, depending on the type of cancer being treated. It may also be used alone or in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy.
Additionally, radiation is used in a palliative manner, to relieve symptoms in patients with incurable cancers.
Types of Radiation Oncology Treatment
Saint Francis radiation oncologists offer the latest in radiation oncology treatments.
- External beam radiation: A type of radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer from outside of the body.
- 3-D conformal radiation therapy: With this type of therapy, three-dimensional radiation beams are conformed precisely to the contour of the treatment area.
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): This is a format for delivering high-dose radiation therapy to regions surrounded by radiation-sensitive areas
- Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT): IGRT is a procedure that refines the delivery of therapeutic radiation to ensure accurate treatment and minimize the volume of normal tissue exposed to ionizing radiation.
- Respiratory gating: Gating is a system that tracks a patient's normal respiratory cycle with an infrared camera and chest/abdomen marker. The system is coordinated to only deliver radiation when the tumor is in the treatment field.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): This is a type of external radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position the patient and precisely give a large dose of radiation to a tumor.
Learn More About Radiation Oncology Services Through Saint Francis
Radiation Oncology is offered in both Tulsa and Muskogee. For additional questions or to schedule a Radiation Oncology consultation, please contact the location convenient to you or call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.